British school puts teen in isolation after she goes bald for charity

A 14-year-old girl was put in isolation for breaking school rules after she shaved her head for charity.

Niamh Baldwin, from Cornwall in the UK, shaved her long blonde locks to raise money for the Little Princess Trust, which makes wigs for cancer sufferers, Metro News reports.

But when Niamh arrived at school after her Christmas break, her teachers at Mounts Bay Academy in Penzance, Cornwall, told her to wear a headscarf and threw her into isolation because her haircut didn’t adhere to the school’s uniform policy. 

Her angered mom, Anneka Baldwin (32), has taken the school to task and continues to stand fully behind her daughter’s act of kindness.

“She’s been unfairly punished. She’s always been a thoughtful and caring child,” Anneka says.

“But I was amazed when she told me that she wanted to do this over Christmas. I think this is the most courageous thing to do.

“Especially at 14 – at that age, a lot of girls are very into their looks and style, so to do something like this, we were all very proud.”

Principal Sara Davey told the Daily Mail the school’s rules – which state that boys are allowed nothing shorter than a “grade two” clipper cut – are “very clear”.

“The policy has been published in our behaviour policy for many years,” Davey says.

“Extreme haircuts – including head shaving – have never been allowed, and this is common for schools across the UK.

“All students know school policy and they also know the consequences.”

Davey went on to say that if Niamh had asked the school’s permission, they would’ve thought of an alternative plan. “I’m surprised the family didn’t speak to the school before it took place, as we could have avoided this situation completely.”

The school’s plan is to consult with Anneka to try to resolve the issue.

“It would be reasonable in the circumstances to suggest that Niamh wears a headscarf until her hair grows sufficiently, for example,” Davey says.