Transgender teenager sues former school that told him it was 'just a phase'

Under the 2010 Equality Act, it is unlawful for a school to treat pupils less favourably because of gender reassignment

Part of the school's defence claims the pupil was withdrawn from the school by his family, prior to a final decision being made by them (Getty/iStock)

A transgender teenager is suing his former school for discrimination after they refused to let him wear a boy’s uniform.

The 16-year-old, who has been given the assumed name Aidan, was born female and attended Hereford Cathedral School in Herefordshire.

He has accused staff at the school for not taking him seriously, after they reportedly told him his wish to be male was a “phase” and that he was “attention seeking”.

This is despite the boy receiving support from a family GP as he began his transition.

He is now taking legal action against the school under the 2010 Equality Act.

His mother described the school’s treatment of Aidan as “appalling”.

“They made my child out to be a freak and someone who would contaminate other students,” she told the BBC.

In a letter to the school’s chair of governors, Aidan's mother said she had no choice but to remove her son after being told the school was “inadequately prepared to accommodate Aidan's needs and give him the high level of support and pastoral care that he deserves”.

Under the 2010 Equality Act, it is unlawful for a school to treat pupils unfavourably because of gender reassignment and schools must factor in gender reassignment when considering their obligations.

To be protected by the Act, a pupil will not necessarily have to be undertaking a medical procedure to change their sex, but must be taking steps to live in the opposite gender, or proposing to do so.

It is understood part of the school's defence claims Aidan was withdrawn from the school by his family, prior to a final decision being made by them about whether his needs could be met.

In a statement Hereford Cathedral School said: “The continued happiness, wellbeing and safety of our pupils is the top priority.

”The family's grievances against the school are the subject of current legal proceedings. For that reason the school is unable to discuss any details relating to this matter at the present time, other than to state that it will defend its position in the proceedings.