Last updated 15:47, Wednesday, 12 March 2008

WE report this week how a Mirehouse student was briefly expelled for dyeing his hair in dramatic style. We might be running the risk of being labelled old fashioned, but our sympathy lies with the school and its headmaster.

Maintaining a stimulating but effective learning environment in schools with more than 1,000 pupils must be one of the most challenging tasks imaginable. The case highlights the difficult task facing all teachers in setting standards for life.

We are sure we are not alone in wanting to give teachers as much support as possible in maintaining standards. A survey for the Government found that 83% of parents were in favour of pupils wearing school uniform (we could add that parents are not helped by the fact that the government imposes 17.5% VAT on school uniforms for children over 13 – but no doubt by the time you read this, Chancellor Alastair Darling will have dispensed his customary largesse and addressed this in his Budget...)

While young Curtis Percival will certainly be the centre of attention with his eye-catching hair, style is not everything in life: getting a good education is more important. Let us hope the school and the Percival family can co-operate and ensure Curtis eventually completes his education and leaves school a well rounded – and stylish – young man.