ABOVE THE KNEE: Amethyst Staladi's mother Kahira Marshall admits her daughter has had problems at school but says parents do not expect their children to be abused by teachers.

A pupil told that she "looked like a slut" by her school dean says she feels unfairly singled out and her parents are furious the school has done little in response to their complaints.

But the school principal has come out in full support of the teacher, describing her as professional with an impeccable record.

Year 10 Newlands College pupil Amethyst Staladi, 14, last week visited dean Angela King, who told her to pull down her skirt because she "looked like a slut", the pupil said. Amethyst said she pulled her skirt down but was "shocked" by what had been said.

"I was singled out, because pretty much everyone has their skirt above their knees. It just made me feel stink."

The school's guidelines require girls' skirts to touch the ground when they kneel, but Amethyst said her skirt was about 10 centimetres above her knee.

Amethyst's mother, Kahira Marshall, said she could not believe what she was hearing when her daughter recounted the story.

She immediately called Ms King, who would not admit that what was said was inappropriate and referred her to the principal, she said. "She [behaved] like it was just an everyday occurrence."

While acting principal David Pegram agreed the comments were inappropriate, he was not willing to require a written apology, insisting the verbal apology that had been given was enough.

Ms Marshall acknowledged Amethyst had had behavioural problems but said she did not want the school to deflect from Ms King's behaviour.

"You rely on teachers, you have no reason to believe when you drop your daughter or son off at school that they will be abused, particularly from a dean," she said.

There had been issues over Amethyst's attendance and attitude toward teachers and she was involved in a physical altercation with a male pupil last week.

Amethyst's father, Michael Staladi, said he wanted the teacher disciplined. "If the kids step out of line they have to go to detention ... so they should have the same standards for the adults."

Mr Pegram said the incident was isolated and the dean had the school's "full support". "I think the school has acted appropriately in dealing with the situation."

Mr Pegram said Amethyst had had "ongoing problems" with her uniform but Ms King had been very supportive to her. "[Ms King] knows that's not acceptable, that's not professional," he said of the comment, but refused to speculate on why she had made it. Ms King would not be interviewed.

The school had not disciplined her and did not think further action necessary, Mr Pegram said.

"It was a really sincere apology given by the member of staff and the apology seemed to be accepted in good grace by the student.

"I think the matter is over as far as we're concerned."