Bilton School in Rugby, Warwickshire has issued an "unreserved" apology after it removed 12-year-old pupil Courtney Wright from lessons for wearing a sequinned Union Jack dress on its Culture Celebration Day on 11 July. Wright, who had prepared a short speech on British traditions, was told her outfit was "unacceptable" and was made to sit in reception until her father, Stuart Field, collected her. A statement from the Stowe Valley Multi Academy Trust, which oversees the secondary school, said it "deeply regretted" the distress caused and is reviewing policies and staff training to ensure all students feel "respected, valued and included" when expressing pride in their heritage. The incident triggered national debate over cultural expression in schools. Government ministers called the school’s decision “bizarre”, and a Downing Street spokesperson said the Prime Minister believes “being British is something to be celebrated”. The school has invited Wright to return and deliver her speech once its review is complete.