The first week at Ashford was mainly ‘getting to know you’ and drawing up their timetable for each day’s classes. Once in school, Michael didn’t feel too self-conscious about the uniform. However walking to and from school, he was subject to the occasional tease from the kids who attended the ‘normal’ schools. He was keen to change out of his uniform as soon as he returned home, however, come the second week at Ashford, Michael’s mother had a different idea.

“Oh, Mum!” He moaned as he stood in the kitchen, “Do I have to?”

“Yes Michael, you do.” She replied, making him space to work at the dining table. “If you’ve got homework I want you to get on with as soon as you arrive.”

“I will… after I’ve changed… it’ll only take a minute.” He pleaded.