Jamie Cooper, 16, from Selly Oak in Birmingham, was born a male but began living as a woman when she started at Halesowen College in September. Within a week, rumours began to spread among students that the performing arts student was a man.

Ms Cooper claimed she was suspended on September 20 by college staff, following a fight between her and two other students, whom she accused of spreading rumours about her.

Halesowen principal Keith Bate said Ms Cooper left “prematurely” before a disciplinary hearing into the incident could be completed.

He said the college was aware that Ms Cooper was male when she enrolled and believed the situation had been handled sensitively. But the student took her story to a local newspaper, claiming the college had not properly supported her.

Mr Bate said her allegations were “incorrect and unsubstantiated”, and the college’s equal opportunities policy was taken very seriously.

The case highlights the difficulty colleges and schools face with a transsexual student. Transsexuality is poorly understood by the public and not easily accepted as a valid lifestyle by many people.

Most transsexual children receive no professional help, as there is only one clinic for them in the UK.

Ms Cooper said that she plans to have a sex-change operation when she turns 18.