A father has criticised a school 's "overly strict" appearance policy, after his son was sent home for sporting this "extreme" haircut.
Nathan Hardy was turned away from Isleworth & Syon School when he showed up after the Easter break with severely cropped sides and a thick mop on top.
The 13-year-old was told his new look did not comply with regulations at the boys' school, and he ended up missing six days before getting a crew cut which was deemed acceptable.
His father Darren Hardy says Nathan was initially told the sides were too short, only to be later advised that it was the discrepancy in length between the top and sides which breached the guidelines.
He claims Nathan is not the first pupil to fall foul of the school's stance on haircuts, which he believes is unnecessarily severe.
'I don't think Nathan's haircut was extreme'
"I appreciate the school has an image to uphold but a haircut won't make a blind bit of difference to your education unless it's getting in your eyes," he said.
"I accept some haircuts are way too much but there has to be some leniency because the most important thing is that children are getting the best education they can.
"I don't think Nathan's haircut was extreme. I think the school's being overly strict, and I'm not the only parent to have a problem with its stance.
"Pupils are constantly being removed from lessons because of what the school classes as extreme haircuts."
Mr Hardy said the school had told him research showed looking smart could actually improve pupils' performance, though he remained unconvinced.
'No apology for setting the highest standards'
The school's appearance policy, which is set out on its website, requires all students to dress in a "smart and professional manner".
As far as hair styles are concerned, it requires them to be "conventional" in style and length.
It states they should be above the collar, no shorter than grade two and should not be artificially coloured, spiked or contain styling products.
Headteacher Euan Ferguson said: "We make no apology for setting the highest standards on a wide range of school procedures and policies and we value the fact that our ambitions are shared by the vast majority of our parents and carers.
"Our Appearance Code is clear and concise and frequent reminders are given to students and their families about the expectations."
