A pupil was punished by being placed in an isolation unit for a week after a teacher deemed his haircut unacceptable.

Kyron Harvey, 14, a Year 10 student at Northfleet Technology College, was pulled out of lessons between Monday, February 25 and Friday, March 1 for having hair “too short” at the back and sides.

However, while technically breaking the rules, he and his mum, Marse Wiltshire, believe the school’s uniform policy is enforced erratically, with Kyron going unpunished for more striking styles in the past.

Miss Wiltshire, 39, who lives off Canal Road, Gravesend, said: “They’re focusing too much on hair, rather than education.”

The teenager, who is currently studying for his GCSEs, added that the situation has had a “big impact” on his studies.

He said: “I don’t want other people to be in my situation. When I’m in isolation, I’m learning using a computer, just copying things down.”

While “no elements of shaved hair” are allowed at the school in Colyer Road, Northfleet, Kyron was not isolated for having his hair dyed blonde two years ago.

Miss Wiltshire admits that, while it looked, at times, “a mess” as the style grew out, it did not lead to the same level of punishment, despite the school’s uniform policy stating that “unnatural hair colours are not allowed”.

She added that she doesn’t believe Kyron is the only pupil with the back and sides of his hair cut with grade one clippers, and Kyron says he has seen other boys with the style.

He has also previously been told to take out braids, which Marse defends as a hairstyle which is “neat and tidy”. She said it was also suggested Kyron had his curls ‘relaxed’, a chemical process which can be expensive and potentially damaging to the hair.

A spokesman for Northfleet Technology College said: “The school’s policy is that haircuts should be neat and tidy and conform to a simple style in keeping with the principle of school uniform. No elements of shaved hair are allowed.

“Parents and students all sign a home school agreement, which acknowledges that school policies, including haircuts, have been read, understood and will be adhered to.

“Students receive regular reminders and letters are sent home confirming uniform and appearance expectations.

“It is not school policy to send students home in these instances and any form of consequence is only taken after a number of advisements have been recorded.

“The school feels it is its responsibility to prepare students for the world of work and life ahead, in which rules need to be followed.”