First there was Faye Cowig, 15, off school because she had braided hair.

Then Stephanie Piscina, 14, revealed she hadn't been to lessons because she got her tongue pierced.

And now a mother is "disgusted" her 12-year-old son is missing school because of his hairstyle.

Janet Bees is angry her son Benjamin, a year seven pupil at Braintree's Notley High School, is out of school because his short number one haircut breaks school rules.

Benjamin Bees with his haircut

Benjamin had his hair cut short with clippers on Tuesday evening and went home from school on Wednesday lunchtime.

Mrs Bees, of Croft Close, Braintree, is furious he will be at home until a review on Monday.

She said: "Children go to school for their education not to be moaned at about their hair.

"I think he looks quite tidy.

"He has got curly hair anyway and he hates it and he does like his hair short.

She has written to the board of governors and would like them to state short hair cuts for boys are appropriate.

"If I don't get any joy from them, I will go to the Government," she vowed.

Headteacher John Hartley said: "We do have a policy about inappropriate hair styles.

"Children are well aware of it and the people who are in charge of it, the tutor, the year manager and learning manager reached the decision that this was inappropriate."

Mr Hartley said Benjamin was not suspended but could not comment further on his case.

Stephanie Piscina has not attended Notley High for a year because of a tongue piercing.

Faye Cowig missed lessons at John Bramston School, Witham, for six weeks until she took her braids out.

Published Friday, March 8, 2002