Uniform

The main area previously creating uniform issues has been footwear whereby some students have attempted to wear throughout the day high fashion trainer type shoes that although they may be black, are clearly not standard school shoes.

There is a new Government Act precisely aimed at ensuring that school uniforms are affordable and so we have updated our Uniform Policy to define more precisely that such high cost trainers, skater or canvas type shoes (e.g. those produced by Vans, Hi Tec, Nike, Adidas etc) are not considered school shoes in our policy.

Please support us and all other parents and carers in this measure from September by ensuring that your child comes to school in normal school shoes. This means they would normally have some sort of heel, be polishable and have no logos i.e. a standard black shoe! If you are purchasing new shoes for September, please be careful where retailers might put such canvas, skater, trainer type shoes on the shelf labelled ‘school shoes’. Trainer type shoes can still be worn for PE but not throughout the day (please refer to the Uniform section). If you are in doubt, please consult with our Student Support Team.

Summer Uniform

Summer uniform is optional and can only be worn during the Summer Term. Students may continue to wear their normal uniform as above if they so wish in this term. The majority of the requirements above remain in place for Summer uniform. The exceptions and alterations are set out below:

• A light blue polo shirt (with the sleeves rolled down at all times) with the Academy logo may be worn instead of a shirt and tie.
• Prefects can wear the ‘Prefect’ polo shirt – a dark blue polo shirt with the Academy logo.
• If students choose to remain wearing the normal Academy uniform, the shirt can be long or short sleeved as long as it is plain white with a traditional collar and worn with the Academy tie. 
• Plain black V-neck jumpers can continue to be worn over the Summer polo shirt. 
• Requirements regarding blazers, shoes, trousers, skirts, hats and scarves, sweaters and cardigans, overcoats, belts, undershirts remain unaffected. 
• Tailored shorts, available from our uniform suppliers (see below), may be worn during the Summer Term. No other shorts will be acceptable (no cargo or sports type shorts). Shorts must be worn with black socks and black school shoes only. 

Summer uniform simply means the option to wear a polo shirt instead of the shirt and tie. Students may also wear tailored shorts. The wearing of blazers therefore does not automatically become optional during the Summer Term.

Students will be expected to wear blazers in buildings and into assemblies even if they have chosen to wear a Summer uniform polo shirt underneath. They can, however, remove them in social times. As always, overcoats can be worn to and from the Academy as well as the blazer but overcoats must not replace the blazer – the basic rule is ‘blazer first’. If students are likely to be cold in classrooms, they can still bring and wear their black V-neck jumper over their polo shirt and their blazer. Hoodies are not permitted and will not be classed as a ‘coat’. In periods of hot weather and for students to benefit from being cooler by wearing the polo shirt, we will announce that blazers can be removed in buildings.

Adverse Weather

In the event of exceptional weather conditions, we will announce any changes to uniform expectations.

Jewellery

We discourage the wearing of jewellery for health and safety reasons but the following are acceptable:

• One pair of ‘stud’ earrings
• One watch
• One additional wrist band (bracelet/charity band etc)
• One small ring
• Necklaces should not be visible

No body or facial piercings are permitted to be worn by students whilst in the Academy. Students will be expected to either remove them if visible and/or wear a retainer or a 'U' will be issued.

Make Up

Discreet make up may be worn. Students who take advantage of this privilege by wearing extreme cosmetics  (including overt false eye lashes) will be required to remove it/them. Nail varnish will need to be removed in Catering lessons.

False Nails

For the purpose of health and safety, false nails (including gels) must not be worn in the Academy. We ask that parents and carers take particular note of this in order that the expense involved in such treatment is not wasted during term time.

Hair

Extreme hairstyles are not permitted. No extreme colours are permitted (the expectation is that if hair is dyed then only natural colours e.g. blonde, ginger, auburn, brunette or black are used).

Person Protective Equipment (PPE)

Students are required to wear PPE where appropriate and when instructed to.

Physical Education Requirements

No jewellery may be worn in PE lessons and all piercings (including earrings) must be removed.

• Gum guards must be worn for some PE lessons - when playing Rugby or Hockey, all students are required to wear a gum guard.  
• Long hair must be tied up in PE lessons.
• All valuables should be handed in at the start of the lesson. 

If a student is ill or injured, they are still required to bring their PE kit and get changed as they will be taking on such roles as a coach or an official within lessons. Please note the following with regard to this: 

• The student’s kit should be suitable for the activity they are studying e.g. warm clothes (tracksuit) if outside or if they are suffering from a cold. 
• The student should be supplied with a parental note to explain their reason for not being able to participate fully and to what degree they can participate. 
• If the condition is long term, the PE department should be contacted by the parent or carer to discuss a suitable plan to ensure learning is continued. The student will not be expected to get changed if they have a condition which will be exacerbated by changing or cause undue discomfort e.g. broken limbs, severe back injuries. This should be made clear in a note to the PE Department.
• If the injury affects the lower limb, PE kit for the upper body should be supplied e.g. if they have a sprained ankle, they change into a T-shirt (tracksuit top) only. 

PE Sanctions

The Academy PE kit is compulsory and it is important that all students abide by the Academy’s policy to ensure high standards and consistency is maintained.

If a student forgets their PE kit (and does not have a note to explain lack of kit), they will receive an ‘S’ for stationery and PE kit and will be expected to borrow an Academy PE kit.

If a student refuses to borrow an Academy PE kit, they will be removed from the lesson using the Yellow Card system and a Lunchtime Detention will be attached to Go4Schools.

If a student is unable to participate fully due to illness or injury, they must be provided with a parental note and bring appropriate PE kit. If they do not have a note it will be treated as forgotten kit. The parental note should be written into the Student Handbook. If there are legitimate reasons for a student being unable to bring the correct PE kit (e.g. moving house, problems with washing machine etc) then the student should arrive to lessons with a suitable sports kit and a note to explain why it is not the correct compulsory PE kit, giving a date when their kit will be rectified by.