Overview
We have a school uniform policy which is publicised regularly both to students and to parents/carers and which we expect all students and parents/carers to support. Our policy is designed to reflect the need for a standard of dress which is smart and reflects a clear identity for Biddulph High School.
The reasons for having this policy are that:
- school uniform is an effective way of preventing the differentiation between and discrimination against children from advantaged or disadvantaged backgrounds
- uniform helps to build up a feeling of community, of belonging to a particular group to whom one owes allegiance and for which one has responsibility. It identifies a student as belonging to Biddulph High School, and as such he/she can bring praise on the whole school
- school uniform helps young people to accept that there are appropriate standards of appearance for certain circumstances. We want our young people to look smart as an outward indication of a positive attitude generally
- school uniform helps students to leave outside influences behind, focus on school work and concentrate on learning.
We look to parents / carers to support our uniform code fully by ensuring that their child is dressed suitably each day and by supporting us should we need to sanction their child for breaking the rules.
School responsibility:
To ensure that all students are aware of the school uniform requirements and to implement these by the monitoring of student appearance and follow-up of infringements. We will confiscate any items (e.g. jewellery/non uniform) that contravene the uniform policy and students will be able to collect them from the school reception after their detention.
Student responsibility:
To make sure that your appearance is in line with school rules regarding the wearing of uniform and the guidelines on hair, jewellery, make-up and nails. Inform a member of the Pastoral Team immediately if you have an issue with your uniform e.g. item rips during the school day.
Parent / carer responsibility:
To ensure that your child leaves for school each day correctly dressed, without: extremes of hairstyle or colour; wearing jewellery beyond that stated in the school policy; wearing excessive make-up or fake tan; inappropriate nails. We may ask you to bring an item of uniform to School if we are unable to lend your child a spare item for that day. Inform the school immediately if there is an issue with an item of your child’s uniform or you are finding it difficult to replace and item.
As students get older, they invariably try to add their own ‘style’ to their uniforms and it can be, at times, difficult to keep variations of uniform in check – particularly as fashion trends change. It is for this reason that we have tried to be as clear as possible with our guidelines.
We enforce our uniform guidelines (including hair, jewellry, makeup and nails) firmly but fairly – if students are not wearing the correct uniform, they will not be able to participate in lessons with their peers and will be educated in Return to Learn (RTL) until the incorrect uniform is resolved.
It is worth noting that if you buy a skirt, a pair of trousers or a pair of shoes and you are concerned as to its suitability, we are more than willing to check it for you in school. All your son/daughter needs to do is bring it in, with the tags still attached and we will look at it for you.
Hair
We will not accept extreme hairstyles which tend to be in fashion as trends change. It is difficult to be prescriptive about this but it is worth noting that the following styles have never been acceptable:
- Tram lines or patterns in the hair. An all over grade 1 haircut, including any hairstyle that has a grade 1 cut shaved into it
- Coloured streaks or shadings such as pinks, greens, purples, blues etc.
- Bleach used to create an obvious pattern in the hair, such as bleach used to streak down the centre of the hair, which contrasts with the rest of the hair colour
- Decorative inserts such as feathers, tinsel or braids etc.
Piercings
No facial piercings of any sort (nose, eyebrow, lip, chin, tongue etc.) It is not acceptable to wear clear studs or a plaster over the piercing.
Jewellery
A reminder that for reasons of Health and Safety the only jewellery allowed to be worn in school is a watch and one pair of stud earrings (one in each lobe).
Nails
Only clear and pale pink nail varnish may be worn in school. No gel, acrylic or excessively long nails.
Makeup
Subtle makeup can be applied. No fake eyelashes, heavy eye makeup, blusher or lipstick. No fake tan.
School Uniform
- Blue blazer (approved school style)
- Plain white shirt
- School tie
- Charcoal trousers of agreed style or plain charcoal skirt of agreed style
- Navy v-neck fine knit jumper (optional)
- Black tights or black or white socks
- Plain black shoes, not boots. Shoes must be sensible. Training style shoes/trainers or shoes/boots with coloured markings on them are not appropriate. Shoes need to be substantial – ballet style shoes, shoes with thin soles, high heels, open toe, or mules are not appropriate.
Skirts
- The skirt should be of a straight, tailored style
- The skirt should have a waistband and the skirt should sit on the waist; it should not be shorter than approximately 2½cm (1 inch) above the knee
- The school skirt should not have any side splits
- It should not fit tightly – if the skirt is too tight, it is too small!
- It should be charcoal grey.
Trousers
- The trouser should have a waistband, no belt; it should be full length and charcoal grey
- The waistband of the trouser should sit on the waist and not on the hips; the line of the trouser should be parallel; flared trousers or tight trousers are not appropriate. If the trousers are tight on the thighs, they are too small!
- The hem of all trousers should be at least 6cm (2½ inches) from the floor
- The school trouser must have a crisp front crease down the legs
- If you do not purchase the trousers from the recognised supplier, you must ensure that the trouser meets all of the mentioned criteria.
Jumpers
Jumpers are not an alternative to the blazer – a blazer must be worn at all times.
If a student becomes too warm with both the blazer and the jumper, the jumper is the item that needs to be removed.
Years 9, 10 and 11
Plain navy, long-sleeved jumper or tank top, fine knit with a v-neck. The hem should be just lower than the waistband of the skirt/trousers but not below the hem of the blazer.
PE Kit
Compulsory
- BHS Navy polo shirt
- BHS Navy shorts
- BHS Navy socks
- BHS Navy Training Top
- Training shoes
- Gum shield (Rugby Boys only)
Football Boots* – Needed for Rugby lessons (Boys Only) and competitive school Rugby and Football games if selected. (Boys and Girls) *Football Boots are not allowed on the Astro Turf
Optional
- BHS Navy Training Pants (*if students opt to wear these, they must be of approved school style)
- BHS Leggings (*if students opt to wear these, they must be of approved school style)
- Shin pads for competitive football
- Gum shield (Boys only)
School uniform and PE Kit is available from:
Clive Mark Schoolwear Limted, 25 High Street, Town Centre, Newcastle under Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5 1QZ
01782 621721 Clive Mark – Book Appointment
Smart Uniform, 1 Harvey House, Hassell Street, Newcastle under Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5 1AR
01782 713650 sales@smartuniform.co.uk Smart Uniform
