Courtney Wright is a student of Bilton School, Rugby, Warwickshire, who recently found herself at the center of controversy after wearing a Union Jack dress on diversity day
Wright was wearing the dress for Culture Celebration Day at school, inspired by Geri Halliwell’s iconic Spice Girls outfit.
Who is Courtney Wright, Bilton School student punished for wearing Union Jack dress on Culture Celebration Day
She’s twelve years old.
Straight A student. Good daughter. Proud of her country.And for wearing a Union flag dress…on culture day…she was isolated, humiliated, and sent home like a criminal.
Her name is Courtney Wright. And every one of you needs to remember it.
Because… pic.twitter.com/ck1BFTFSBx
— Red Lip Riots (@RedLipRiots) July 15, 2025
Meet straight-A student Courtney Wright. She was sent home from Bilton School in Rugby for wearing a Union Jack dress on the school’s Heritage & Diversity Day—after being told it was “unacceptable.”
Courtney was pulled out of her lessons and made to sit in reception until her… pic.twitter.com/khhoYWjeuZ
— I Meme Therefore I Am 🇺🇸 (@ImMeme0) July 15, 2025
Wright was promptly stopped at the gates and isolated upon arrival at the school and spent the day in school reception instead of celebrating her British culture with classmates.
Bilton School student Courtney Wright forced to change her Union Jack dress
Courtney Wright is a student at Bilton School who was recently forced to change her outfit after she proudly wore a sparkly Union Jack dress and matching bowler hat to school to celebrate British heritage during the school’s Culture Celebration Day. Upon her arrival at school, a staff member stopped her at the gate and ordered her to change clothes. She was later isolated from classmates and not allowed to participate in any of the events or lessons. Her father, Stuart Field, had to pick her up and Courtney shared how she was humiliated and disappointed. Her father claimed even Wales and St. George’s flags were turned away by the school.
Reactions from netizens
The incident has since sparked all kinds of reactions online in support of Courtney, after her father posted about the incident online. Netizens from across the world stated their support, with many criticizing the school’s decision and even praising Courtney’s pride in her heritage. Many of her friends and classmates, as well as social media users, also expressed admiration for the dress and her confidence. MP Suella Braverman also voiced her support and called Courtney’s outfit and speech brilliant while condemning the school’s initial response.
Bilton School issues official statement
Following the backlash, Bilton School issued a public apology through the Stowe Valley Multi Academy Trust, stating:
“On Friday 11th July, an incident occurred during our Culture Celebration Day that caused considerable upset to one of our pupils, her family, and members of the wider community. We deeply regret the distress this has caused and offer our sincere and unreserved apologies.
We have since spoken directly with the pupil and her family to listen to their concerns and reflect on how this could have been handled better. We are committed to learning from this experience and ensuring that every student feels recognised and supported when expressing pride in their heritage.
As a school, we are reviewing our policies and strengthening staff training to ensure our practices reflect our values of inclusion, respect, and understanding for all. We are committed to fostering an environment where every pupil feels respected, valued, and included.”
Courtney Wright’s father speaks out
Following the incident, Courtney’s father, Stuart Field, has criticized the school’s handling of the situation. He accused the staff of isolating his daughter without any explanation and even called the apology from the school a mere box-ticking exercise. Field further emphasized how his daughter’s dress symbolized her personal representation of British culture and questioned why the school excluded her from accepting other costumes. He also argued how the school failed to uphold values of inclusivity and respect for all kinds of cultural expression.
Courtney Wright biography
Courtney Wright is a 12-year-old native of Rugby, Warwickshire, and a straight A British student at Bilton School. She is known for her creativity and school spirit and recently went viral after choosing to wear a Union Jack dress inspired by Ginger Spice to represent her cultural identity. Despite the backlash she faced from school authorities, she continues to be a symbol of youthful pride and individuality. Courtney’s story has seemingly sparked national debate about cultural expression and inclusivity.
Her father is age 47 Stuart Wright.
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