Protest outside the academy. Photo: Owen Sheppard/Ldrs

• WHAT a contrast…

As Pimlico Academy school pupils stage a walk-out in response to their headmaster banning afros and colourful hijabs, just down the road No 10 Downing Street released a report that there is no institutional racism in the United Kingdom!

So I am glad I went to a rival comprehensive in an era where we did not wear a uniform – and where policies did not intimidate school friends who become rastafarians during our school days, (School’s out, April 1).

It shows very clearly, as well, how unaccountable academies are to their local communities.

Such policies would never have got through a local authority-run school, accountable to the local community, with parent governors, councillors etc on their board.

So maybe it’s time we looked at how academies come to such conclusions and pursue policies which make school children come out against such draconian policies.

Well done kids.

MURAD QURESHI AM
Labour London Assembly Member for Greater London