A schoolgirl has been banned from the classroom just ten minutes into the new term because her BLONDE highlights were deemed 'inappropriate'.
Carina Murray, 14, was treated to a £130 trip to the salon for natural blonde highlights through her mid-brown locks, at the end of the summer holidays.
But she was mortified when teachers at school left her outside on the field because her tresses apparently breached school rules.
Carina's mum Pauline says the year 10 pupil has been told she isn't allowed back in the classroom at Ark Alexandra Academy, in Hastings, East Sussex, until her hair is dyed back to brown.
But she remains at home, missing school, because Carina and her family are unprepared to adhere to the rules and change her hair colour.
Pauline, 47, said: "As far as I am concerned, blonde is a natural colour.
"The school rules state that in this situation she would need to go home and have her hair colour amended. This is complete and utter discrimination.
"Carina was very anxious about returning to school today, and she phoned me from the field where 'excluded' children were placed in floods of tears.
"As you can imagine, I am absolutely livid."
Pauline, a carer, said Carina missed out on some lessons last year because her father, James Murray, 73 (corr), had suffered four heart attacks.
Carina had her highlights done as a treat on August 17.
The school website states any colour that is 'unnatural' is inappropriate and therefore not allowed.
But Pauline argues the highlights are a natural blonde colour.
But Carina was excluded just ten minutes after the school bell on the first day back on Wednesday (09/09).
Her mum was called to collect her, but refused, so Carina was put in isolation for the day and told not to come back until her hair is brown, the family said.
The school insist Carina goes back to the salon and has her hair changed back to a 'natural' colour before they let her return to her education, Pauline said.
Ark Alexandra Academy has been approached for comment, and has not yet responded.
