Teachers threatened the students with detention or isolation
Pupils at a Kent secondary school have been ordered to remove small painted England flags from their arms after staff deemed the gesture "racist".
Several pupils at Charles Dickens School in Broadstairs, east Kent, were told to wash off the flags or face isolation as punishment.
The pupils had been following England's progress in the World Cup.
After the team's win over Mexico last week, a number of pupils arrived at school with small flags painted on their arms in support.
It is understood the staff did not like the patriotic display on the students.
One source said: “A number of boys mainly from Year 10 were told if they didn’t scrub off the flags they would get detention or isolation.”
Several branded the move a case of double standards, pointing out that England flags were on display in the school canteen at the same time.
One parent said: “My child and all his friends were made to wash off an England flag that they painted on their arm for being racist today, during their last sports day at secondary school.
“They were bullied by the teachers to wash off immediately as they were being called a racist, otherwise isolation would be issued.
The row raises questions over how the school's actions square with its own stated commitments to "British values".
Charles Dickens School belongs to the Barton Court Academy Trust (BCAT).
The trust published a “British Values Statement” setting out how it promotes what the Department for Education calls the “fundamental values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty”.
It also published advice on the mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs.
Under the heading of individual liberty, the trust stated: “Pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment.”
It continues to state pupils are "encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms”.
On mutual respect, the statement added: "Pupils understand that it is imperative that respect is to shown to everyone, whatever differences we may have”.
It adds this principle "underpins our work every day, both in and out of the classroom”.
On democracy, the trust's statement claimed that pupils are "taught to actively listen to one another, respecting the right of every individual to have his or her opinions and voices heard”.
Separately, the school has issued guidance to parents ahead of a non-uniform day planned for Friday, the last day of term.
In a letter sent to parents, the school confirmed pupils would be permitted to wear non-school uniform in exchange for a minimum donation of £1, with proceeds going to the charity Friends of QEQM.
The charity supports the Queen Elizabeth Queen Mother Hospital in Margate.
The letter stated pupils who do not donate must remain in normal school uniform for the day and sets out rules on appropriate clothing, including bans on crop tops, strappy tops and inappropriate footwear or accessories.
It also reminds pupils that the usual jewellery and hair rules will apply, including bans on false eyelashes and false or acrylic nails, with breaches resulting in isolation until a parent brings suitable clothing or the pupil complies.
