As we approach the end of the holidays, the shops are full of Back to School displays. We know that lots of you will be sorting out the final bits to ensure that your child is ready for the new academic year in September.

As you know, our academy uniform is simple yet smart.

Full details can be found on our website here, but to help out, here are 5 key points of what to buy and what not to buy.

1. Shoes – not trainers

Students must wear black, leather-type, polishable shoes.

Sports shops and some other clothing shops make things difficult for families as they have lots of branded sports footwear on display in their ‘Back to School’ sections, including plain black trainers. We do not allow these so please don’t buy them and send your child into school wearing them as school shoes. We do not allow any form of trainer to be worn unless in PE lessons.

2. Blazers are compulsory

The WBCA blazer must be worn at all times. Some students choose to wear a black v-necked jumper underneath, but this cannot be worn instead of the blazer. School staff will insist that the blazer is worn on top of the jumper.

3. Skirts – if worn – must be tailored and an appropriate length

We don’t permit tube skirts, puffball skirts, skirts that are textured or made from jersey material, or skorts. Skirts must not be too tight or too short. This is for practicality reasons in addition to looking smart.

Skirts can be straight or pleated, but must be tailored and an appropriate length.

4. Under-shirts and over-socks

Some students like to wear a layer under their school shirt. This is okay, but the shirt should be long sleeved to cover the base layer.

Similarly, some students like to wear socks over their black tights. Again, this is fine, though the socks must also be plain and black, not with visible sports logos.

5. Bags must be large enough to hold an A4 folder – no pouches or small cross body bags.

Students have a lot of resources and equipment that will need to be taken to and from school and they need to have a bag large enough to store it neatly and with care. Students must not bring small cross body bags or pouches to school.

 

Thank you

We are really grateful for your support in working with us to ensure that students are wearing the correct uniform.

If we find a student to not be wearing the correct uniform, a member of staff with contact you with the aim of working with you and your child to put it right. There is always support available in school should it be needed.

A reminder

If students are wearing incorrect uniform, our policy is that we have a selection of items that will be loaned to students so that they are dressed correctly, while the issue is rectified. This helps to maintain the smart look of all students, and means that students are not challenged by several members of staff during the day.