Podcast: Strood Academy bosses defend “ridiculous” haircut policy that saw student removed for skin fade

A head teacher has defended his school’s haircut policy after a pupil was pulled out of class for having a style deemed “extreme”.

Strood Academy boss Jon Richardson says the ban on skin fades is part of dress code guidelines that bring “equality and focus” to the school.

Also in today’s podcast, you can hear from a Deal man who’s been embroiled in a row with Virgin Media after returning home to find workers digging a huge trench for a broadband cabinet outside his property.

He says he will not give up challenging the communications giant after discovering contractors breaking down the pavement. 

Bosses of Kent’s biggest Pride festival have described their shock as council bosses say next year’s extravaganza cannot be held in the park it calls home.

Canterbury City Council has suspended all events at the Dane John Gardens for 2025 to roll out new improvements paid for through the government’s Levelling Up fund.

Maidstone’s LitFest is back for second year from this weekend – the KentOnline Podcast has spoken to one of the authors about her book. 

West Malling’s Rosie Hewlett explains what a scary thing it is to put a book out into the world. 

And in football we talk to the Gilingham boss ahead of their game away at Crewe Alexandra. 

They’re be looking to bounce back after their unbeaten home streak came to an end during the week.