By David Furness
A 12-year-old girl, Courtney Wright, faced isolation at her school for wearing a Union Jack dress during a culture day, despite her intention to celebrate British culture and give a speech about the country’s history. Her father criticised the school’s response, claiming it turned the celebration into a political issue. Bilton School issued an unreserved apology, recognising the distress caused and committing to better policies that promote respect and inclusion. Other students were also sent out for wearing culturally themed outfits. The school plans to review its practices to ensure all students can express pride in their heritage.
Bilton School, a member of the multi-school Stowe Valley Multi-Academy Trust, which is led by Chief Executive Officer Ranjet Samra, operates under the governance and policies of the Trust.
In 2020, the Stowe Valley Trust received a warning after Bilton School was deemed ‘inadequate’ and placed in special measures. The government issued a ‘minded to terminate’ letter, requiring the Trust to provide evidence that it could achieve “rapid and sustained improvement.”
The report also highlighted “serious weaknesses in keeping pupils safe,” indicating that safeguarding procedures were not fully understood by all staff members.
Bilton School acknowledged the issues and issued an unreserved apology, stating their commitment to learn from the experience and ensuring such incidents do not recur. However, five years later, in 2025, the school faced another incident—Courtney Wright and the Union Jack dress—for which they also issued an unreserved apology.
Given the ongoing concerns, the government must take action. It should consider placing Bilton School back under special measures. Additionally, a new ‘minded to terminate’ notice should be issued to revoke the Stowe Valley Multi-Academy Trust’s control over the school. Furthermore, those at Bilton School responsible for the situation involving Courtney Wright should face disciplinary action, as apologies alone are insufficient.
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