Caister Academy pupil removed from class for wearing ear stud

Tia-Mae Brown, who lives in Filby, landed in trouble at Caister Academy last week after she was spotted sporting the stud - even though her form teacher had the same kind of piercing. 

The school has defended its actions but Tia-Mae's dad, Nigel Brown, said the situation was an "absolute joke" and kept his daughter home from school on Wednesday (September 20), planning not to send her back to class. 

Mr Brown said: “We’re not going to tolerate this anymore. We’re not going to have her mental well-being affected by this anymore." 

Tia-Mai said she had been wearing the stud at school for about a week before anybody noticed. 

She said she was at assembly last week when the head of year saw the stud and told the form teacher - with the same piercing - to take her to 'reflection'.

"I feel really upset because it's one rule for us and another rule for the teachers," Tia-Mae said. 

"We should all be treated the same."

The ear stud which got Tia-Mae Brown removed from lessons at Caister Academy. (Image: Supplied)

Caister Academy's uniform policy says students may wear up to one pair of small ear studs or sleepers - one per ear lobe.

Mr Brown, 57, a health and safety coach, said: “We’re sick and tired of the way our daughter is being treated.

"Every day she is being taken out of lessons. My daughter is dreading going to school now every day.

"This piercing poses no health and safety concerns or risks to any other student at the school.

"Yet the head of the year claims this is a violation of the school's uniform and behaviour policies, despite my daughter always wearing the proper uniform and having no prior behavioural issues at the school."

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Caister Academy said that expectations for behaviour and uniform are shared with parents each year. (Image: Archant)

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Last Thursday, the parents had a meeting with the year head and asked why Tia-Mae's form teacher has "the exact same piercing" and "yet this was acceptable". 

Mr Brown said they were told it was "because he is a teacher and policies only apply to students". 

"When it comes to hypocritical, they are at the pinnacle of it," he said. 

The Browns also pointed out that "members of staff walk around in short dresses and skirts, hanging earrings, high heels and lots of makeup, yet other parents have complained of their daughter's skirts being measured to ensure they comply with the school uniform policy". 

"That is very disturbing as we do not yet live in North Korea to my knowledge," Mr Brown said.

At last week's meeting, it was agreed that Tia-Mae could attend lessons if she wore her hair over the piercing, Mr Brown said. 

But on Monday (September 18), she was sent into isolation again.

A school spokesperson said: “At Caister Academy we are committed to working collaboratively with students and their parents so that all students fulfil their potential in a safe and caring learning environment, and we are proud of the high standards Caister students achieve.

"Our expectations for behaviour and uniform are shared with parents each year, and are available on our website. 

"There have been no recent changes to our guidance for jewellery. 

“Staff adhere to our professional dress code at all times in work. 

"When any student is placed in reflection (outside of their usual classroom), their learning is fully supported by a dedicated member of staff."

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On Wednesday (September 20), Tia-Mae's parents decided to take their daughter out of the school.

Mr Brown said: “It’s an absolute joke. There is nothing wrong with her behaviour."

He said it was essential to question and challenge policies that seem arbitrary and hypocritical.

Tia-Mae said she has not received much support while in 'reflection'.

"I hope I get to go back to class because this is going to affect all of my grades," she said. "I've always really liked maths and stuff."