Top student refuses to remove piercings (From Clacton and Frinton Gazette)

Top Harwich student refuses to remove piercings

6:14pm Friday 7th September 2012 in News

A PUPIL, described as a “top student”, is refusing to remove his facial piercings despite it causing him to miss out on his education.

Sixteen-year-old Harry Prosser, who attends Harwich and Dovercourt High School, said he wears the piercings after becoming a Shaman during the summer holidays.

Harry has two eyebrow studs, a 10mm ear stretcher, a 3mm ear stretcher and a tongue piercing.

He said: “Shamans believe the piercings are a sign of strength and the path to enlightenment.”

But staff at the school told Harry he must either cover the piercings up or take them out.

Harry’s mother Rebekah Prosser said the school are denying him an education.

She said: “I’m very disappointed in the school.

“Some people take religion very seriously but they have denied him his education.”

But Headteacher Nigel Mountford stood firm and refused to bend the school’s uniform rule.

He said: “Harry has been given the opportunity to cover the piercings up or remove them.

“He has not been excluded and would be welcome back here in 30 seconds if he took them out or covered them up like everybody else has to.

“He is a top student and I hope his parents can encourage him back to school.”