Nottingham School Supports Brave Student With Cancer: Pupils Shave Heads in Solidarity

Parents have expressed their frustration following disciplinary actions against students who shaved their heads to show solidarity with a school friend diagnosed with cancer.

The bunch of lads from Newark Academy, Nottinghamshire last week, they chose to have their heads shaved as a sign of support for their friend battling cancer.

But mums and dads were left stunned to be told their actions went against school policy and they were allegedly placed into isolation and banned from their end of year prom.

The teenagers have been backing a classmate who was recently diagnosed with testicular cancer and is dealing with sessions of chemotherapy.

As stated on a crowdfunding page established by the boy's family, he cannot take exams or hold down his weekend job due to being hospitalized four days each week.

Furious parents and local officials have since condemned the "inhumane" school for penalising the students "for acting as considerate individuals".

One posted on social media: "During challenging moments in life, having friends becomes particularly important."

"This shows solidarity, respect, support, empathy, understanding and most importantly love.

"These things can only be learned in life, not in school. Shame on those punishing these young men for being decent human beings!"

One commented: "What on earth is happening at Newark Academy!?! They're punishing students through solitary confinement and prohibiting them from attending the prom just because they showed support for a friend battling cancer."

What was their offense? Getting bald-headed cuts. That school seems to be abusing its authority. They're penalizing many students over almost negligible infractions.

A third commented: "Instead of punishing children from showing empathy and compassion why not listen to them and support them with these massive big emotions and help educate the whole school about this cancer awareness."

Johno Lee, an independent councillor representing Balderton North and Coddington at the Newark and Sherwood District Council, commented: "Initially, when I came across these rumours online, I was sceptical about whether they were being blown out of proportion."

"But I was shocked to have it confirmed that its' true and it's just wrong.

"I was in the military for 12 years and appreciate there's a dress code to follow, but these boys were doing a good deed for a friend.

"This damages the reputation of the school and I would urge them to reconsider their actions and I hope the boys are eventually vindicated and allowed to go the prom.

These lads shouldn’t face punishment for standing together with a mate.

The GoFundMe page established for the boy states: "His friends have been incredible and all cut off their hair in solidarity with him. The backing he received from them has been truly remarkable."

We would be immensely grateful for any contributions to assist with his expenses once he leaves the hospital. This support will also ease the burden of the family’s frequent visits to QMC and the time they lose from work to care for him.

Senior leaders at the Nova Education Trust, which runs the school in London Road, Balderton, Newark, said they were aware of the claims.

However, they emphasized that the school's behavior and dress code policies were of utmost importance, noting that there was an obligation to "maintain the established standards and regulations."

A representative from the trust stated: "We are conscious of the recent circumstance concerning students who have had their heads shaved, which contravenes our institution's regulations regarding behavior and grooming."

To begin with, we wish to recognise and praise the compassion and solidarity displayed by these students towards their friend.

The compassion and backing we receive are values we hold in high regard within our school community."

The school's policies aim to establish a uniform and attentive atmosphere for every student’s education.

Although we acknowledge and appreciate the intentions driving their behaviour, the schools must adhere to their established standards and regulations, which are explicitly conveyed to both students and parents alike.

We are examining the most effective way to uphold school policies while also showing empathy in extraordinary situations like this.

Always aiming to assist our students in their development—both academically and personally—and fostering the principles of compassion and communal ethos.

We are interacting with the students and their families to achieve a positive outcome and are simultaneously looking into how our community can collectively demonstrate support for the impacted student and their family during this challenging period.

"We appreciate the concern and support from the wider community and will continue to act in the best interests of all our students.”

The academy caters for 1,149 pupils aged 11-18 and was rated 'Good' by Ofsted at its last inspection in February.