A FATHER has removed his son from school after teachers demanded he cut off the youngster’s ponytail.

Connor Wallwork, aged 11, has had the three-inch long ponytail since he was a toddler, but staff at Westhoughton High, where he moved to at the start of the September term, told him his hairstyle contravened the school’s strict uniform code.

He was told he would have to be schooled in a classroom on his own until he visited a hairdresser.

But his father Geoff Wallwork, aged 46, believes the school is infringing his son’s human rights and has withdrawn the youngster from lessons.

Mr Wallwork said: “He’s had the ponytail since he was a toddler, it is natural to him.

It would be like cutting someone’s finger off. I’ve spoken to the head and he says it’s got to come off.

“They asked me if it is a religious thing. It’s not but it is what my son believes.

“It’s all right for girls but not for lads, it’s infringement of human rights.

“No one else has complained about it, he’s not hurting anyone and it’s not distracting him or anyone else in lessons. If he had a pink Mohican I could understand it, but it’s just a small pony tail.”

A member of the school’s pastoral team visited Mr Wallwork and Connor on Monday to try to resolve the issue.

The youngster has spent just four days at his new school since leaving Eatock Primary School.

Headteacher Phil Hart said: “The school has a clear uniform code which covers uniform and hairstyles. This is published to all our parents and carers and is part of the student planner.

“We ask for the support of all parents and carers in supporting our high standards and ensuring the uniform code is followed by every student.”

Mr Wallwork has now asked the school to send work home for his son.

Connor added: “I’ve only been in school four days. I like my hair the way it is and don’t want to have it cut.

School has been all right apart from the problem with my hair, but it has upset me a bit.”