Uniform

The academy strongly believes that a uniform contributes to the ethos of the academy and sets an appropriate tone.

The academy believes that a uniform:

• instils pride
• supports positive behaviour and discipline
• encourages identity with, and support for, the academy ethos
• ensures that students of all races and backgrounds feel welcome
• protects students from social pressures to dress in particular ways
• nurtures cohesion and promotes good relations between students
• provides additional security in that intruders in the academy can be identified more easily

Above all the academy believes that an academy uniform supports objective teaching and learning. The governing body wish to ensure that the Academy Uniform and Appearance Policy is fair and reasonable and that the uniform is affordable and does not act as a barrier to parents when choosing a school. The academy also recognises its obligations under the Human Rights Act 1998 and discrimination legislation.

The chosen academy uniform is as follows and does, we believe, meet the criteria laid down in our opening statement of this policy.

PE Kit

Jewellery

Students may wear a small single ear stud in the lobe of each ear. Larger ear jewellery such as larger studs and earrings are not acceptable. Wearing more than one stud in each ear is not acceptable.

A suitable watch may also be worn.

No other jewellery including rings, bracelets and body piercing jewellery may be worn.

Ear studs must be removed for health and safety reasons during PE lessons.

Hairstyles

Hair must be styled in an appropriate manner that is acceptable to the academy.

Examples of inappropriate hairstyles, which are not permitted, include:

• Shaved lines or patterns
• Shaven hair shorter than a number two, covering all or part of the head
• Hair presented in a non-natural colour, or more than one colour
• Hair styles incorporating hair of significantly different lengths
• Excessive use of gels or other styling products

The final judgement as to what constitutes an inappropriate hairstyle will be taken by Miss Hetherington (Senior Assistant Headteacher) or, in her absence, the Headteacher or Deputy Headteacher.

Students exhibiting inappropriate hairstyles will be sanctioned. This may include attending daily detentions and/or working in isolation until the problem is rectified.

The Academy has a right to expect that long hair can be safely tied back for work in academy laboratories, technology rooms, PE lessons or in any other areas where health and safety considerations must take priority.

Make Up The Academy believes that make-up is not appropriate or desirable for children in a school context and so the wearing of make-up is discouraged. However, a small amount of make-up worn subtly is permissible. This does not include the following, which are all not acceptable in any circumstances:

• False tans
• False eyelashes
• Eyeshadow/eyeliner
• Lipstick
• Nail varnish or false/acrylic nails

The final judgement as to what constitutes the subtle wearing of make-up will be taken by Miss Hetherington, Senior Assistant Headteacher, or, in her absence, the Headteacher or Deputy Headteacher.

Coats

Outdoor coats must be removed when students are inside school buildings. Hooded jumpers, tracksuits and sweatshirts are not permissible as outdoor coats.

The academy will consider carefully any request that is made to vary this policy to meet the specific needs of any individual student to, for example, accommodate their religion or belief or because of temporary or permanent medical conditions.

The academy does however wish to ensure that its uniform policy ensures

1) Health and Safety and in particular requirements with regards to jewellery and hairstyles.
2) Security and Safeguarding. One simple uniform worn by all students makes it easier for intruders to be identified.
3) Teaching and Learning is not adversely impacted. For example, if a student’s face is obscured in any way, it is much more difficult for a teacher to judge their engagement with learning and to secure participation in discussions and practical activities.
4) Students are protected from external pressures to wear clothing they would not otherwise choose to adopt, protecting them from harassment.
5) That a strong cohesive academy identity is in place that supports high standards and a sense of identity amongst students and that learning is promoted between any different representative groups in academy.

Non Compliance

Students will be sanctioned for non-compliance with this policy. This may include attending daily detentions and/or working in isolation until the student is fully compliant with the policy. Persistent and defiant breaches may result in exclusion.

Clothing and jewellery that are not permissible within this policy will be confiscated. Any confiscated items will be retained by the school office until they are collected by a Parent/Carer. They will not be returned to students, even if this is requested by a Parent/Carer.

Students may in certain circumstances be asked to go home briefly to remedy a breach of this policy. This will be treated as an authorised absence. However, if the student continues to breach the policy in such a way as to be sent home to avoid school, or takes longer than necessary to effect change, then the absence may be recorded as unauthorised. Parents will be notified in these circumstances.

The academy recognises there may be other underlying reasons as to why a student is not wearing correct uniform. If a uniform is lost, stolen or damaged or if a parent is having financial difficulties it is important that the academy is made aware of such circumstances so that due consideration can be given to what has happened. Such matters will of course be treated with due discretion.