The school embroiled in the Union flag dress row has been forced to close early for the summer after receiving 'extremist threats'.

In a letter to parents, Bilton School in Rugby said it is closing "in the interests of student and staff safety" following threats. The letter, which was sent out on Thursday, told parents the school would be shut earlier than usual. School officials said they had decided to do so due to "extremist abuse online and via our telephone systems". "The nature and tone of this abuse has escalated in recent days, including personal threats to our staff," the letter continued.

"Our primary responsibility remains the safety and wellbeing of every child and member of staff. This is not a decision we have taken lightly... the safety of our school community must come first."

On arrival at the school for an 'inclusion day', 12-year-old Courtney Wright was told her outfit - a sequined Union Flag dress inspired by the Spice Girls - was "unacceptable". She was then told to sit alone in reception until her dad could get off work to pick her up.

Speaking to the Express, she said: "It upset me because I came in really proud, I bought the dress, I chose it myself ... and then I was told I am not allowed in lessons."

The school issued an apology shortly after the row was made public, saying it would "reflect on how [it] could have been handled better". "We deeply regret the distress this has caused and offer our sincere and unreserved apologies," the school said.

"We are reviewing our policies and strengthening staff training to ensure our practices reflect our values of inclusion, respect and understanding for all."

A spokesperson for Stowe Valley Trust said: “At Bilton School, we are proud of the diversity of our students and the rich heritage they bring to our community. We are committed to fostering an environment where every pupil feels respected, valued, and included.

"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.”