I WRITE regarding the front page story (Times, October 17, “Boys’ haircuts ‘too extreme’ says school”).

As a retired teacher of nearly 40 years’ experience I have worked in further education colleges, comprehensive schools and finally a fee-paying private school.

A school is there to educate and the head is there to facilitate this.

This headteacher is, quite simply, out of order. I would expect his conduct to be investigated.

The haircut is very similar to one the Army would give new recruits and it is tidy and they appear to be clean and well dressed, so what is the problem?

My dad had such a haircut in the Forties.

Whatever ridiculous school rules have been thought up, and believe me I have seen many daft ones, the one that deems these haircuts unsuitable is not fit for purpose.

These lads have a right to be educated and treated with respect.

Do they do their work? Do they attend school every day? Are they polite?

They are entitled to their free time and exercise; it is an important part of them having time to unwind between lessons.

I would expect school inspectors to find the headteacher’s actions unacceptable. Watch this space.

Thank you for bringing this to the public’s attention.

Mary Brace

Braintree