Unions and politicians have expressed deep concern at the decision by a Co Offaly school principal to ban three schoolboys from taking their Junior Certificate examination because their hair is too short.
Arrangements have been made at Tullamore College for the boys to take their papers in isolation from other students.
Speaking on RTÉ Radio's Morning Ireland, the mother of one of the students called the offer of alternative arrangements an 'insult'. Anne-Marie Treacy said she would be seeking legal advice.
Parent and youth organisations have also raised the possibility of taking the matter to the Ombudsman for Children and the Exams Commission.
Also speaking on Morning Ireland, the Ombudsman for Children, Emily Logan, said she could not talk about any case specifically.
However, she said her office was open to people who felt they might have been unfairly treated.
One of the three boys has said he will attend a special additional examination centre to be opened at the school today.
The mother of 15-year-old Enda Carroll has said her son should not be made sit exams in a room separate from other students.
Last night the State Examinations Commission confirmed it had granted approval for an additional centre to be set up to facilitate the three boys.
Yesterday, the school principal refused to allow the boys sit the exam at the school because they had very short hair which he said was a breach of school rules.
The school's policy on blade one haircuts is strict and has led to suspensions in the past.
