SIR - When I was a teacher and later a school governor, we justified dress and appearance rules on the grounds that they were the same standards that a major employer would expect.

On that basis, I am quite sure that Jenna Hewlett's neat and tidy hairstyle would be completely acceptable to any of the major legal, accounting or commercial firms.

If the staff of Christopher Whitehead Language College seriously believe that Jenna's extreme' hair colour will distract' her peers, then they cannot have much confidence in the ability of their lessons to capture attention. We also gain an insight into how reasonable and rational deputy head David Thompson is from his statement that while Ms Hewlett is not allowed to attend classes, she is not, apparently, excluded'.

What would you call it, Mr Thompson?

KELVIN HARD, Worcester.