AN A-grade Winchester girl is at loggerheads with her school over her dyed blonde fringe.

Lydia Newberry was asked to leave Henry Beaufort School on her first day back because teachers said it breached rules.

Lydia, 14, just starting the penultimate Year 10, had dyed her usually brown fringe blonde over the holidays, and when she returned last Thursday, was told it did not meet school policy.

She says was told she either faced a day of isolation or could go home.

“I didn't think my hair would be a problem,” she said.

“The school policy says you cannot have extreme hairstyles. It really put a negative spin on my first day back. I just wanted to get on and start my GCSEs and I don't want to miss any work. I should have the freedom to express myself.”

Her mother, Ruth Newberry, works as a carer and was unable to pick her up, but said she didn't want her daughter to spend the day in isolation.

She said that after the initial conversations with the school she heard nothing more, only to find Lydia had been told to leave school, despite not having enough bus money to get home.

“She called me from Waterstone's in Winchester,” she said. “She was there because she was cold and crying. She was very upset.

“I am most upset about how this has been handled. What has it got to do with their learning? All this has done is had a negative effect on her learning. She is somebody that wants to work and has been predicted A's for all her grades. It's not like she is a troublesome student.

“I don't regard her hair as extreme. Your hair isn't like a uniform. You can take a uniform off but your hair is something that stays with you for 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.”

Lydia was given until Monday to change the style, and used a brown spray to cover the colour on Friday and Monday.

On Tuesday, her hair was unsprayed and she was put into isolation for the day.

In a statement on Tuesday Sue Hearle, headteacher, said: “We have been delighted by the excellent start that the vast majority of our students have made to the school year and the importance they have placed on their appearance.

“I can understand the parent's concern about her daughter's education but I would like to make it clear that this pupil has not been excluded from school. Each year we remind parents and pupils about this school's uniform policy, through the student handbook and in our communication to parents. This policy includes guidance on acceptable hair styles and in accordance with the policy, two-tone coloured hair is not permitted. I do acknowledge that pupils will want to express their individuality but I have to balance that with maintaining discipline in the school and being fair to all pupils. The school has spoken to both Lydia and Mrs Newberry about this matter and we are meeting with Mrs Newberry this week, when we hope to reach a mutually agreeable resolution.”