Grant Stranaghan's strangly locks have caused problems

Grant Stranaghan, a GCSE student at Ballyclare High School, was suspended for three days last week for having collar-length hair.

The 15-year-old's father George claimed his son was now being kept in "solitary confinement" in a separate school room.

The school said its rules applied to all pupils equally with due regard to any mitigating circumstances.

Mr Stranaghan is expected to consult solicitors on Friday ahead of a meeting with school principal David Knox.

He told the BBC that the High Court hearing was due to take place in several weeks' time.

"Grant is being kept in solitary confinement, he is completely separate in a different class, and has separate breaks and lunch-time with no contact with his friends," said Mr Stranaghan.

In all walks of life there are rules to be obeyed and in our working lives, many of us have to conform to certain types and standards of behaviour and dress

Ballyclare High School

"We were not asked to be there when Grant was suspended.

"We are going all the way on this. We are just standing up for our son and hopefully other kids will benefit from this."

Year 11 pupil and rock music fan Grant said his long hair was a crucial part of his personal identity.

However, in a statement to the BBC, the school said that before any pupil joined the school, both the parents and prospective pupils were informed of the code of conduct, which included its uniform code.

"This has been our practice for many years. It is one of the factors which parents must take into consideration before deciding to send their child to the school."

It added: "In all walks of life there are rules to be obeyed and in our working lives, many of us have to conform to certain types and standards of behaviour and dress.

"We have been overwhelmed by the level of support we have received from other schools, parents, teachers, members of the public and most importantly from our pupils, the vast majority of whom are positive, co-operative and indeed proud of the school's standards and many achievements."