UNIFORM 2026

Uniform, Dress Code, Appearance & Hygiene

Please read the full policy. The summary below highlights key points for 2025–26.

Open full policy (PDF)Read quick summary (2025–26)
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Full policy (latest)

Effective from: 1 September 2022 (latest version applies). Always refer to the full policy for definitive rules.

Uniform, Dress Code, Appearance & Hygiene Policy (PDF)

Tip: keep a copy on your phone for easy reference when buying uniform.

Summary for 2025–26 (read this, then the full policy)

Caution: This summary is for quick guidance only. Families and students must read the full policy in its entirety. The full policy always takes precedence.

Years 7–11 uniformGender‑inclusiveHygiene standardsSafeguarding firstReasonable adjustments

Policy status

  • This is academy policy and is obligatory for employees and students.
  • Clear expectations for appearance and hygiene are set out prominently.
  • Uniform for Years 7–11 is prescribed. Hairstyle guidance is slightly less prescriptive but still no synthetic colours or patterns.
  • The dress code applies equally to Year 12–13 students and to staff with the same latitudes and restrictions.
  • All colleagues must follow and enforce the policy as part of their professional and contractual obligations.
  • The policy aligns with the latest statutory and non‑statutory guidance and is benchmarked against other professional/public sector standards.
  • The Executive Headteacher has limited delegated authority to interpret or vary the policy where necessary, including:
    • Interpreting ATB intentions where guidance is insufficient.
    • Urgent updates due to changes in law/case law.
    • Addressing unforeseen flaws after consultation.
    • Acting where safeguarding reasonably takes precedence.
    • Making a reasonable adjustment under the Equality Act 2010.

Liability & confiscation (clarified)

  • No liability is accepted for loss or damage.
  • Prohibited items and proceeds of crime are disposed of (not returned, no compensation).
  • Most banned items are disposed of; some are held and returned in July.
  • Items are stored securely; uncollected items are disposed of each October.
  • Exceptional goodwill compensation: up to £20 per item or current value, whichever is lower.

Staff follow updated confiscation procedures (central repository; allows for appeals).

Equalities, inclusion & adjustments

  • Gender‑inclusive & unisex: uniform explicitly supports gender neutrality.
  • Reasonable adjustments: route via the website “Contact Us” tab to the EHT (may delegate to pastoral team).
  • Religious wear: exemplified in the policy (including the Sikh 5 Ks) with gender‑inclusive adjustments.
  • Medical exemptions: clarifies responsibilities and access to sanitary products.
  • Medical face masks: optional.

Appearance specifics

  • Make‑up & nail varnish: Years 7–11: none (unless agreed medical/gender‑related exceptions). Staff & Years 12–13: allowed if conservative/professional.
  • Tattoos: threshold at age 18; see full policy for under‑18 response.
  • Body piercing: New: a single, plain nose stud is permitted (Years 7–13 & staff). See policy for other permissible jewellery.
  • Jewellery: visual rules in policy; high‑value items are not allowed and will be confiscated.
  • Hair: see visual guidance (Annex 4); no synthetic colours/patterns.

Uniform list 2024–25

Prices updated; visual images included. New PE kit introduced (with transition subsidy). Acceptable footwear now includes:

  • Plain black trainer‑shoes
  • Plain black ankle boots

The policy shows examples of unacceptable footwear.

Updates for 2025–26 (clarifications)

  • No substantive changes beyond the 2024 PE uniform update.
  • Sports trainers are not allowed.
  • Trainer‑shoes (unbranded, plain black; look like school shoes but offer foot support) are allowed.
  • Where interpretation is needed, the CEO determines the policy in line with the school’s ethos (Michaela judgment confirms ATB policy‑setting powers).

Staff & Sixth Form dress code

  • No significant change; addition of single nose stud now permitted.
  • Specialist protective clothing/equipment provided where required; guidance on staff showers included.
  • Guidance provided for training days, residentials and holiday working.

Costs, retendering & support

  • Next retendering date published (see full policy).
  • Financial support available (universal & targeted) — see letter on website and Annex 3.
  • Planned second‑hand uniform/book exchange (c‑Bay).

For support, please contact us via the website “Contact Us” tab (choose Uniform/Finance).

Links to the Behaviour & Discipline Policy

  • Prohibited & banned items list (Annex 1).
  • Searching & screening — no significant change.
  • Confiscation procedures — clarified.
  • Cash handling and proceeds of crime — clarified.
  • Electronic devices — clarified.
Open Behaviour & Discipline Policy

Full policy contents (page guide)

 

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