The school said it’s “in the interests of student and staff safety”.

A school in Warwickshire which had to apologise after a 12-year-old girl was reportedly pulled out of class over her Union Flag dress has now had to close early for the summer. In a letter to parents, Bilton School in Rugby said it is closing “in the interests of student and staff safety” following threats.

Bilton School told parents it was closing earlier than normal for the summer holidays in a letter sent on Thursday, citing “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.

Courtney, who said her outfit was inspired by Geri Halliwell’s iconic Spice Girls dress, was stopped at the school gates by a member of staff and ordered to change after picking it out for Culture Celebration Day. She told the Express: “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.”