A secondary school has found itself in hot water over a decision to prohibit students from attending their end-of-year prom and isolating them for shaving their heads in solidarity with a classmate battling cancer.
The controversy unfolded at Newark Academy in Nottinghamshire when a group of male students decided to show their support for a friend who had recently received a testicular cancer diagnosis.
The courageous student is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment, rendering him unable to participate in exams or continue his weekend job as he spends the majority of his time in the hospital, as stated on his fundraising page.
But what was meant to be a touching show of solidarity has sparked fury after school bosses allegedly decided the haircuts breached uniform policy – prompting disciplinary action against the boys.
Parents have blasted the school for what they claim is a ‘heartless’ response, accusing it of punishing students ‘for being decent human beings’.
In a post on social media, one furious parent wrote: ‘Friends matter, especially during trying times in life. This shows solidarity, respect, support, empathy, understanding and most importantly love.Â
‘These things can only be learned in life, not in school. Shame on those punishing these young men for being decent human beings!’
The brave pupil is currently undergoing chemotherapy and is unable to sit exams or attend his weekend job while spending four days a week in hospital, according to his fundraising page
A secondary school has come under fire after students were reportedly banned from prom and placed in isolation after they shaved their heads to support a classmate with cancer
Another raged: ‘What the hell is wrong with Newark Academy!! Punishing pupils by isolation and banning prom for showing support for a friend with cancer. Their crime? Shaving their heads. That school is on a power trip. Punishing lots of pupils for next to nothing.’
A third added: ‘Instead of punishing children from showing empathy and compassion why not listen to them and support them with these massive big emotions and help educate the whole school about this cancer awareness.’
The backlash has even reached local politics. Johno Lee, Independent Councillor for Balderton North and Coddington, slammed the school, saying: ‘When I first heard the rumours on social media you wonder if people are exaggerating. But I was shocked to have it confirmed that it’s true and it’s just wrong.
‘I was in the military for 12 years and appreciate there’s a dress code to follow, but these boys were doing a good deed for a friend.
‘This damages the reputation of the school and I would urge them to reconsider their actions and I hope the boys are eventually vindicated and allowed to go the prom.
‘These boys should not be punished for showing solidarity with a friend.’
The teenager’s family set up a fundraising page to help with the cost of hospital trips and time off work, praising the overwhelming support from his friends.
‘His friends have been amazing and all shaved their heads in supporting him. The support his had from them has been absolutely amazing.
‘Any donations would be greatly appreciated for when he gets out of hospital. It will also help towards the family’s endless trips to QMC, time off work to look after him.’
The row erupted at Newark Academy in Nottinghamshire, where a group of teenage boys made the heartfelt gesture after learning their friend had been diagnosed with testicular cancer
Newark Academy, which is run by the Nova Education Trust, has acknowledged the incident but defended its actions, citing its strict behaviour and appearance policy
Newark Academy, which is run by the Nova Education Trust, has acknowledged the incident but defended its actions, citing its strict behaviour and appearance policy.
In a statement, a spokesperson said: ‘We are aware of the recent situation involving students who have shaved their heads, an action that is in breach of our school’s behaviour and appearance policy.
‘First and foremost, we want to acknowledge and commend the compassion and solidarity these students have shown for their friend. Their empathy and support are qualities we value deeply in our school community.
‘While we understand and respect the motivations behind their actions, the schools have a responsibility to uphold their agreed standards and rules, which are communicated clearly to all students and parents.
‘We are reviewing how best to balance the enforcement of school policies with the need for compassion in exceptional circumstances such as these.
‘We are engaging with the students and their families to ensure a constructive resolution and are also exploring ways we, as a community, can show collective support for the affected student and their family during this difficult time.’
The academy, based on London Road in Balderton, Newark, caters to more than 1,100 pupils aged 11 to 18. It was rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted during its last inspection.
Newark Academy has been approached for further comment. Â
