An 8-year-old Hindu boy was pressured to leave a London school over wearing a religious forehead mark, sparking backlash over discrimination claims.

An eight-year-old Hindu student in London was reportedly pressured to leave Vicar’s Green Primary School after being disciplined for wearing a Tilak-Chandlo, a religious forehead mark. The child faced questioning and close monitoring and was reportedly removed from leadership roles, leading to emotional distress and withdrawal. Parents and advocacy group Insight UK said they repeatedly explained the religious significance but received dismissive responses. At least four Hindu families have withdrawn their children, citing concerns over religious discrimination and lack of inclusivity, with allegations the school may have violated the UK’s Equality Act 2010.