Our uniform is refined by 3 words: simple, smart, inclusive 

Simple

From September, all students will wear our school long-sleeved mid-layer, active wear trousers and plain black trainers (any brand as long as plain black). Our polo shirt as an underlayer may be added.  This is simple and requires no thought or decision-making. 

Smart

In every school in Britain, children must wear a shirt, tie and blazer throughout the day. We have allowed a much more relaxed uniform,  however I must stress that it is still a uniform and must be worn smartly. This is why the option of polo shirts with “skins” has been removed, as there has been too much variability in how these items are worn. Only the polo shirt as an underlayer is permitted. 

Inclusive

Our uniform has been designed to be inclusive. It avoids ties, buttons and zips that can be restrictive. It suits all shapes and sizes. It encourages movement and activity to support well-being. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why can’t my child choose to wear the formal uniform anymore? 

This is due to the fact that the government now only allows 3 branded items, and 90% of children/parents chose the active wear. 

Can my child wear a polo shirt instead of the mid-layer in September?

No. On a typical day, that will not be acceptable. It would be like attending in a shirt and tie without a blazer, which we would never accept. As we arrive at school, move around the school, attend assemblies and worship,  students will be required to wear the long-sleeved top. This is to ensure uniformity, as in every other school within the UK. The polo shirt can be worn underneath for PE or as an extra layer. 

My child might get hot in the mid-layer, and this might impact learning? 

Please be assured that for the last 50 years, students have been wearing a shirt, tie and blazer in lessons and exams every day, and there is no evidence that this has hindered their learning. This is still the practice in every other school within the city. 

The mid-layer is still lighter than a shirt and blazer, and, as with the blazer,  a teacher can choose to allow students to remove the layer in lessons if it is a particularly hot day or an individual child has an additional need. This has not changed and has always been custom and practice. Clearly, in the summer term, the polo shirt will be an acceptable option. 

What happens in hot/ extreme weather in September?

As always, I will assess the weather and decide if any amendments to the uniform are to be made.

My child has special needs, and I feel they require further adaptation to the uniform.

We have chosen this uniform to be far more relaxed and accessible for SEND needs than the formal uniform. However, if you would like to discuss further amendments, then please contact Mrs Roderick, who will be happy to advise. 

Can my child wear shorts to school in September?

No. Shorts can be worn under the active wear trousers on PE days if students want to wear shorts for PE.

How can I make sure that my child has his/her arms covered at all times?

The mid-layer ensures arms are covered. By the summer term, we will have sourced a long-sleeved polo shirt to ensure a lighter option with full coverage

What is the summer uniform?

The summer uniform is the same (mid-layer and trousers), but the mid-layer can be swapped for the polo shirt if desired. 

Why have shorts been removed from the summer uniform?

Unfortunately, this year, there has been too much variability in how shorts have been worn for us to continue to offer this choice as a smart uniform option. Shorts can be worn for PE lessons and during periods of extreme heat, as identified by the Principal.