A schoolgirl has been banned from school after refusing to remove her new hair extensions.

Lia Sesniak, 14, saved up £150 from boot sales to get her long plaits.

Defiant - Lia Sesniak and her controversial plaits Picture: ROB BROWNE

But when she turned up King Edmund School, in Rochford, she was sent home. It means Lia is missing out on vital lessons just before her mock GCSE exams.

The school said the hairstyle flouts the rules and won't welcome her back until she changes it.

But Lia is standing firm, and her father George is right behind her.

Lia, from Great Wakering, said: "It's out of order. I don't see how my hairstyle will effect my schoolwork. I'm asking them to send me work to do at home."

Dad George said: "They are using a sledgehammer to crack a nut."

Headteacher Graham Abel said: "She was told to go home and to remove them. Until she does so she is not allowed back. It is an elaborate head dress rather than extensions. Lia admitted to the deputy head she knew her new hair style broke school rules, yet she still had it done."

Published Tuesday, June 24, 2003

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