London: A transgender teenager is taking legal action against his former school in the West Midlands region of England for refusing to let him wear a boy's uniform.
The 16-year-old, who is known by his assumed name of Aidan, was born female and attended Hereford Cathedral School in Herefordshire.
He has accused staff at the school of not taking him seriously, after they reportedly told him his wish to be male was a "phase" and that he was "attention seeking".
"They didn't really take it seriously,"?he said.
Under the UK's 2010 Equality Act, it is unlawful for a school to treat pupils less favourably because of gender reassignment.
"They made my child out to be a freak and someone who would contaminate other students," Aidan's mother told BBC.
In a letter to the school's chair of governors, Aidan's mother Jackie 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."
Aidan had the backing of his general practitioner (GP) as he began his medical transition to becoming female. His legal action is currently ongoing through the UK courts.
It is understood part of the school's defence claims Aidan was withdrawn from the school by his family, prior to a final decision being made by them about whether his needs could be met.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."
