Uniform and Appearance

GENERAL PRINCIPLES:

Balshaw’s Church of England High School insists on high standards of uniform. We are aware of the financial implications and pressures that families have around uniform. There have been times when we have needed to adjust our policy, for example for cultural or ethnic reasons and these are dealt with on an individual basis. The school ensures that the cost of uniform is affordable and that a supply of nearly-new and high-quality second-hand uniforms are available from school for parents/carers to purchase.

It is important that students take pride in their appearance and are aware of the impression their appearance makes within the community. We are aware that students may tell you that they can wear certain items, e.g. hoodies or trainers and that teachers say that is OK and that ‘everyone does this’. Please always refer to this policy for details and if there are any doubts please contact school before making a purchase.

Balshaw’s Church of England High School seeks to promote a sense of belonging and shared identity through the implementation of its uniform policy (you can see the full Uniform and Appearance Policy on our School Policies page www.balshaws.org.uk/parents-portal/school-policies).

• Without exception the Headteacher will be the arbiter in all matters relating to uniform, dress and appearance
• Parents, Carers and Students are advised to consult the Deputy Headteacher (Pastoral Care, Guidance and Support), or a member of the School Leadership Team, if they are considering uniform, dress, hair or appearance changes that might conflict with the school policy. Any contravention of the school’s uniform and appearance policy will necessitate parents/carers being contacted and students being isolated until rectified
• Any student who arrives out of uniform; in unsuitable uniform; wearing inappropriate jewellery; or with an unsuitable hairstyle or hair colour may be removed from lessons and their parent/carer contacted. Items of spare uniform including shoes may be loaned to a child if they arrive without the correct uniform. A record will be made in a student’s file. If a student persistently ignores the uniform code, the school will need to employ further sanctions
• It is important to us that ALL students “aim at excellence” in every area of school life.  We have a uniform code that encourages all students to take pride in their appearance and wear their uniform correctly as part of the Balshaw’s community
• It is our policy to maintain high standards of uniform, dress and appearance. Students not wearing full uniform will be offered spare items from school if available. If students refuse or items are not available, students will be placed in inclusion until the uniform or appearance issue is rectified

Please ensure that:

• For health and safety reasons NO jewellery other than a wrist watch is to be worn
• Should students wish to have piercings this should be done at the beginning of the summer holiday so that they do not wear them in school for ANY reason at ANY time.  This includes tongue piercings which cannot be seen
• No make-up is worn for school or false eyelashes, over emphasised eyebrows, acrylic nails, gel nails, nail varnish or false tan
• Your child has no extreme haircuts e.g. un-natural coloured hair, dyeing, dip-dyeing, bleaching or shaving (less that grade 2), tram lines or artistic designs. Hair longer than shoulder length should be worn tied back (boys and girls) and must not cover a student’s eyes or face
• Belts, hair bands, ribbons and bobbles must be plain black
• Trainers or boots are NOT worn to school
• No temporary or permanent body art is permitted
• School bags only (satchels and rucksacks preferred). No handbags or small fashion style bags permitted

If parents/carers are unsure, we strongly advise them to contact the Pastoral Team in the first instance. It is our policy to maintain a high standard of dress. Students not wearing full uniform will be offered spare items from school if available. If not available students will be placed in inclusion until the uniform is addressed. School reserves the right to provide students with regulation items if non regulation uniform is worn. School should be informed of any reason why a student is unable to comply with the uniform rules on that day.

Outdoor coats are not to be worn inside the school and must be kept in bags or lockers. Parents/Carers are asked to buy only blue or black outdoor coats. Trainers are only acceptable for PE. Caps, hoodies and denim jackets are not allowed on school premises.

WHERE CAN I PURCHASE SCHOOL UNIFORM?

EXAMPLES OF APPROPRIATE FOOTWEAR