Today's protest outside the school gates supporting a teenager disciplined for taking part in a charity head shave was "disappointing and ill-advised", Milford Haven School has said.

In a statement issued this afternoon (Friday), a spokesman for the school, said: “The pupil in question and his mother were informed of the consequences of breaking the uniform and appearance rules prior to doing so.

“When the rules were broken an appropriate sanction was enforced, namely supervised study.

“This was a short-term measure which was clearly communicated and a return to the pupil’s normal timetable would have been effective once he complied with the school’s ruling.

“At Milford Haven School we believe it is important to maintain high standards in every aspect of school, life, including uniform and appearance.

“The reason for such policies is that there is a clear link between maintaining high standards in school behaviour and academic achievement.

“And to be fair to all our pupils, these rules must be consistently applied.

“Pupils and parents are frequently reminded of this and the vast majority are fully supportive.

“This issue has not arisen as a result of raising funds. It has arisen because of a clear breach of school rules.

“Pupils at Milford Haven School are widely praised for the work they do together in raising funds for many charities. However, this work is carried out within the boundaries of the school rules.

“While this morning’s demonstration by some pupils was disappointing and ill-advised, lessons for the vast majority of pupils continued as normal.”

A spokesman for Pembrokeshire County Council said: “We are confident that the vast majority of parents will support the school in its efforts to raise academic standards and implement school rules.”