UK trainee teacher sent home on first day for visible tattoos

A trainee teacher in the United Kingdom has been sent home on the first day of school due to visible tattoos.

Charlotte Tumilty was to complete a placement at St John Vianney’s Primary School in Hartlepool as part of her teaching course.

When she arrived on her first day, Ms Tumilty said a woman asked to speak with her in the office about the prominent neck tattoo peeking out of her top.

“I suggested wearing a higher-necked top,” said Ms Tumilty. “The woman said that’s not the point, it’s a strictly Catholic school and tattoos are forbidden.

“They (were) prejudiced (against) me because they could see a few tattoos.”

Ms Tumilty said school staff were able to see tattoos at her interview, and that the only change she promised was taking out piercings in her nose and lips.

Deputy headmaster Martin Boagey said Ms Tumilty was merely “politely asked” to cover her tattoos.

“The school expects all members of staff to project a professional image and we have a code of conduct, part of which requires members of staff with tattoos to cover them up,” he said.

“On her arrival at school to take up her placement, Charlotte Tumilty was informed of the school’s code of conduct. She was politely asked to consider how best to cover up her tattoos and it was suggested that she should.

“At no point was she ever told that she could not work in the school.”

Under current legislation in the UK people with tattoos are not covered by the Equality Act 2010.