A Jewish school has defended its policy of teaching pupils to hide skin conditions with make-up, saying it is designed to “encourage self-conscious pupils to get involved with school life”.

Immanuel College, an independent school in Bushey, Hertfordshire, also relaxed its make-up policy after one 15-year-old pupil approached deputy headteacher Beth Kerr over her anxiety related to acne.

The pupil had been inspired by Georgia Toffolo, a Made in Chelsea star and I’m a Celebrity winner, who has spoken publicly about suffering with acne and adolescent wellbeing.

After unsuccessfully approaching Ms Toffolo to ask her to speak at the school, the pupil then spoke in front of pupils herself, in a bid to raise awareness.

In an article in The Independent Schools Magazine, Ms Kerr wrote that the measures have led to a “big difference to the wellbeing of pupils”, adding that it has been warmly received by parents.

She added: “It was not difficult to imagine what it would have been like to have the mask that gave you the confidence to go about your business taken off in class, or alternatively, not permitted to wear one at all.”

Ms Kerr told the JC that she “grappled” with the decision to support the use of make-up, and whether it would promote a negative message to female pupils.

She said: “We don’t want them to feel they have to wear make-up. But we are aware that there are self-conscious pupils out there.

“And since we made the changes quite a number of other girls came forward to say they were also worried about it. We know that, at this age, their peers are very important to them and their self-image.

“It’s a problem for us when pupils tell us they don’t have the confidence to take part in activities, like sport. We really want to encourage them to be as active as possible.”

The school brought in a make-up artist to teach girls - as well as boys who wished to participate – to apply minimal make-up to cover blemishes, during an extra 40-minute lesson during a lunch period.

It also plans to expand the programme as part of personal, social and health education (PSHE) next year.

“Light-touch” make-up is also now permitted at the school.