As an avowed atheist, I find comments by Nigel Mountford, headteacher of Harwich and Dovercourt High School (Gazette September 7), that pupil Harry Prosser’s religion is not a real one, baffling.

What exactly constitutes a religion? To date, there are roughly 40,000 known gods that have been revered through the ages.

One only has to choose the god that suits one’s needs and it becomes a religion. If I were to follow a religion, it would be the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster (blessed are his noodly appendages). Jediism (yes, from Star Wars) is a recognised religion, which can be put on the census form. Wars have been and still are fought over who’s invisible friend is the right one.

So, Mr Mountford, stop discriminating against Harry, or tell all Muslims and Sikhs who attend your school to stop wearing their religious attire.

Peter Griggs

Bellfield Avenue

Brightlingsea