An assistant head teacher at under-fire Brakenhale School has been accused of wearing “blackface” – with school bosses keeping quiet.

Concerned members of the public have come forward with what they allege is a photograph of Philip McKane – who is responsible for “behaviour and culture” – in a racist fancy dress costume. It was allegedly uploaded to his Facebook page in 2014.

One Brakenhale pupil said the photograph has left students feeling “uncomfortable and affected by his photo” – but that those who complain are allegedly threatened with punishment.

Mr McKane, head teacher Bhavin Tailor and Greenshaw Learning Trust have refused to address or deny the accusations when asked to by Bracknell News.

READ MORE: Complaints of ‘military camp’ rules at Brakenhale School

In the photograph the man allegeded to be Mr McKane is pictured wearing black face paint, a curly wig, and an orange prisoner-style jumpsuit.

One pupil at Brakenhale said the photograph had been taken from Mr McKane’s Facebook page, where it was previously visible to the public, and had circulated among pupils. But they claim that when pupils raised it with teachers, they were told to keep quiet.

The pupil claimed: “If we speak about it, we get in trouble for it.” They added that a group of year 11 pupils had reported the photograph to their head of year.

But they alleged: “The people who reported it to the head of year’s office got told to delete the photo and not continue to spread it or they will face consequences of isolation.”

Separately, a Brakenhale parent said they had also asked Mr McKane about the photo. They alleged Mr McKane confirmed he had worn the costume while at university but “is now disgusted with his behaviour”.

This has not been denied by the school.

The allegations come as parents and pupils at Brakenhale are in uproar over strict rules that have left some likening the school to a “military camp.”

Complaints include children going hungry – with those unable to get lunch during a 25 minute break told to throw food in the bin – and a “culture card” system that has left younger pupils in tears over detention for minor infractions.

Mr McKane – in charge of behaviour – is said to be directly responsible for many of these. One pupil said: “He is head of behaviour – most of the rules directly come from him.”

On his Twitter account Mr McKane showed support for the controversial Katharine Birbalsingh – who describes herself as “Britain’s strictest headmistress.” Mr McKane appears to have set his Twitter account to private after Bracknell News attempted to contact him.

Mr McKane, Mr Tailor and the Trust have passed up opportunities to address the allegations. Greenshaw Learning Trust said: “We don’t comment through the media on any issues relating to staff or pupils.

“If parents have concerns about any aspect of school life at Brakenhale, they should contact the school directly and any communications with parents are made directly.”