SCHOOLS have always had to fight a running battle against "fashionable" clothing and haircuts.

In the late sixties cuban heeled boots and tight trousers clothes caused apoplexy amongst teachers as pupils tried to dress as mods or rockers. A few years later everything went tartan as youngsters all wanted to mimic the Bay City Rollers.

Next came a major problem for many academic institutions as punk took a grip on teenagers and drugs, shaved heads and jewellery found their way into classrooms.

With that sort of history it is perhaps no surprise today to learn that the headmaster of St Gabriel's Primary School, Blackburn, has told 11-year-old Joshua Holmes that he cannot go on end of term trips because of his "extreme" hairstyle.

The mohawk, of course, is the haircut of Manchester United ace and England captain David Beckham rather than a pop idol -- although sportsmen and showbiz stars now inhabit the same world.

Headmaster Mr Sharples says: "It is a case of creating the right impression of the school to people outside it and allowing this pupil to wander around with this haircut would not be conducive to that." At a time when schools are in competition with each other and parents make judgements on the basis of what they see and hear his reaction may well strike a chord with many.

But is a haircut like this really a reason for such a strong punishment?

It can be argued that fashionable clothes -- expensive trainers for example -- start competition amongst youngsters which leaves those whose parents are less well off unable to compete.

Children from disadvantaged households then stand out as such whereas school uniforms mean everyone is more or less equal.

Body jewellery, earrings and nose rings are obvious safety hazards when youngsters are rushing around in gyms or even in corridors.

But although a haircut may look stupid to some does it really warrant severe sanctions?

Isn't it a case of what is good enough for the captain of the English football team should be good enough for St Gabriel's Primary School?