Schoolboy Connor Wallwork Misses Lessons Over Three-Inch Ponytail Row

PRESS ASSOCIATION -- A schoolboy is missing lessons after his father refused to cut off his three-inch ponytail.

Geoff Wallwork told teachers that school rules breached his son Connor's human rights.

The 11-year-old has sported the hairstyle since he was a toddler, according to the family.

But the hairstyle does not comply with the uniform code at Westhoughton High in Bolton, Lancs, and Connor has been told the ponytail has to go.

Mr Wallwork said the rules infringe his son's human rights as girls are allowed ponytails but not his son.

He said no one has complained and it is not distracting other pupils in lessons.

He has kept Connor off school while the dispute continues.

Phil Hart, headteacher at the 1,100-pupil school, said: "The school has a clear uniform code which covers uniform and hairstyles.

"We ask for the support of all parents and carers in supporting our high standards and ensuring the uniform code is followed by every student."

Staff at the school and the Wallwork family are now planning to meet to try to resolve the problem.