School Acknowledges Mistake After Student Denied Platform to Celebrate British Heritage

Culture Day Controversy Prompts Policy Review at Warwickshire School

A cultural celebration at Bilton School in Warwickshire has drawn criticism following reports that Courtney Wright, a 12-year-old Year 7 pupil, was prevented from delivering a speech on British culture during the school’s annual Culture Day event. Although the occasion was intended to celebrate the diverse cultural backgrounds within the school community, it took an unexpected turn when Courtney, dressed in a modest version of the iconic union flag outfit inspired by Geri Halliwell, was allegedly removed from the programme.

According to her father, Stuart Field, Courtney had prepared a speech highlighting traditional British values such as fairness, politeness, and customs, including drinking tea, talking about the weather, and eating fish and chips. He claimed that his daughter was told the event was not meant for her, as she was British and already had the opportunity to celebrate her culture daily. Following the incident, Courtney was reportedly asked to wait at reception until her father arrived to collect her.

In response to the situation, Bilton School issued an apology, expressing regret for the distress caused and reaffirming its commitment to recognising and supporting all students in expressing pride in their heritage. A formal statement released by the Stowe Valley Multi Academy Trust on behalf of the school acknowledged the incident, dated 11 July, and noted the upset it had caused to the pupil, her family, and the wider community.

The school confirmed that it had spoken directly with the family to address their concerns and reflect on the matter. Furthermore, it stated that it would be reviewing its policies and enhancing staff training to ensure alignment with the values of inclusion, respect, and understanding. The school reiterated its dedication to fostering an environment where every pupil feels respected, valued, and included. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring that cultural celebrations within schools genuinely reflect the principles of inclusivity and equal representation.

Editor’s Note:

The incident at Bilton School during its Culture Day celebration raises important questions about how schools approach inclusivity and cultural representation. What was meant to be a day of celebrating diversity instead left a young student, Courtney Wright, feeling excluded for expressing pride in her own national identity. While the intention behind the event may have been positive, the reported treatment of a pupil wishing to share her British heritage reveals a troubling oversight. Culture Day should be a platform where all backgrounds, majority or minority, are equally welcomed and respected. Excluding any student based on the assumption that their culture is already "represented enough" undermines the very principles of diversity and inclusivity. It sends the wrong message: that only some voices deserve to be heard in multicultural spaces. Bilton School's apology and commitment to review its policies are necessary first steps. However, schools more broadly must ensure that diversity initiatives do not inadvertently become exclusionary.

Skoobuzz firmly believes that celebrating cultural heritage must include every student, fostering an environment where all identities are recognised, and no one is made to feel out of place in their community.