Headmaster defends decision to ban students from exams

The headmaster of Tullamore College in Co Offaly has defended his decision to ban three Junior Cert pupils from the exams because of their short haircuts.

The three boys were told on Wednesday that they would only be allowed to sit the first exam and would not be welcome after that.

Headmaster Edward McEvoy said they breached school rules by getting blade-one haircuts.

Parents and youth organisations have criticised his handling of the matter, but Mr McEvoy insisted today the rules had to be obeyed "for the sake of good order and calm conditions for the rest of the students".