School bans pupils from growing fingernails longer than 1.5cm under 'bizarre' uniform rules

Parents criticise ' 'petty' and 'completely unenforceable' rules

The school's headteacher says pupils' nails should be no longer than 1.5cm (0.5 inches) as measured from the 'cuticle, or proximal nail fold' (iStock)

A school has been criticised after its headteacher introduced "ridiculous" rules on how long pupils fingernails can be.

Rawlett School, in Tamworth, Staffordshire, issued new guidance to parents banning pupils from having long nails.

Tim Bassett, the school's headteacher, said pupils' nails should be no longer than 1.5cm (0.5 inches) as measured from the "cuticle, or proximal nail fold."

He also said nail colours should be "neutral or calm" in order ot "limit conflict and ensure consistency."

Parents criticised the rules as "bizarre," "petty," and "completely unenforceable."

James Connors wrote on Facebook: "I can understand them having rules about wearing nail varnish or nail extensions but to state and limit the exact length of them is a bit draconian and just really petty. How ridiculous."

Rachel Edney added: "What a silly rule about the nail length. Everyone has different size nails - mine are longer than that without any extra nail at the end."

James Mortimer wrote: "Once again, The Rawlett School has proven that it cares more about how the students look than their actual education. I disapproved of this when I was head boy but the school cares little for the opinions and wellbeing of students and parents so of course they won't listen."

John Batman said: "Who on earth is going to go around checking all the pupil's nails with a ruler? What a bizarre, silly and completely unenforceable rule."

Mr Bassett wrote on the school's Facebook page: "The vast majority of pupils are wearing their school uniform extremely well and we'd like to thank parents for their continued support.

"Following several discussions with parents we've decided to provide nail legislation to limit conflict and ensure consistency.

"Nails should not exceed 1.5cm in length, as measured from the cuticle, or proximal nail fold.

"Any colours should be neutral or calm - extremely bright nails should be changed."

Rawlett School is a mixed secondary which caters for 960 pupils aged between 11 and 16. It was rated "Good" at its last Ofsted inspection in March last year.

Additional reporting by SWNS