Uniform Standards
Birches Head Academy uniform has been selected to ensure all students feel part of the Academy’s community. Items of clothing have been chosen carefully to ensure they are not unduly expensive but smart. Personal presentation is important not only for students future life in the world of work, but also for the sense of pride and community belonging that a universal uniform gives them. A consistent culture of high expectations around uniform and appearance ensures that we are welcoming and inclusive.
Detailed below are the updated uniform and equipment requirements for all students so that preparations can be made for the new academic year.
All items of academy uniform can be purchased from either:
- The National Schoolwear Centres Hanley
- 97 – 101 Stafford Street, Hanley ST1 1LS
- Telephone: 01782 272991
- Motif Marketing
- 11 Millrise Road, Milton, Stoke on Trent ST2 7BN
- Telephone: 01782 534849
In the interest of health and safety, students will not be permitted to wear pump style footwear. Our uniform needs to be affordable and non discriminatory, therefore, Converse, Vans, Nike AirMax and high tops etc are not acceptable and MUST not be worn.
Can pupils wear jewellery?
No. Only a watch is permitted. We advise all pupils not to have piercings until the start of the 6 weeks holidays to ensure all studs can be safely removed prior to the start of the school year. Retainers are not allowed in any piercings. Any jewellery confiscated must be taken to Main Reception. Parent / Carers will be required to collect items of jewellery from the Main Reception.
Hair
Hair must be natural in colour (long hair should be able to be tied back).No extreme hair styles (bright unnatural colours). Alice bands must be in academy colours (black, grey, blue). Clawclips, bandanas, durags, hair wraps and other accessories are not allowed.
Shoes
Black formal school shoes (only). The following will not be permitted: trainers (sports branded i.e Nike Air Force 1), canvas pumps (i.e vans), boots (Dr Marten’s, Uggs etc ) are not to be worn with a skirt, but the following can be worn under trousers: Timberland (all black), Dr Marten’s (plain back 8 hole with black or yellow stitching.
Are pupils allowed to have a mobile phone?
No. Mobile Phones are forbidden within the school grounds. Mobile phones will be confiscated if pupils have then out in class, during social times or in any areas of the school premises. Please refer to the Consistency Across the Academy strategy for all staff routines and expectations for pupils.
What about hair style and colour?
Hair must be one colour and neat in appearance. Shaved patterns, ‘holiday braids’ are not permitted.
Can pupils have cosmetics?
False nails, false eyelashes or other such beauty accessories are not acceptable.
What equipment should pupils carry everyday?
Pupils should arrive to our Academy ready for learning. This means all pupils should have an appropriate school bag (provided for them this year by the Academy), Pencil case containing pencils, pens, ruler, eraser and their pupil planner.
The Academy does not accept any responsibility for the loss of or damage to personal possessions brought on site.