Uniform
Oulton Academy promotes excellence in everything our pupils undertake. It is important for the Academy and pupils that the way pupils present themselves is positive and acceptable and is in keeping with a disciplined and well-ordered establishment.
The uniform and appearance of our pupils will support the ethos of our Academy; providing the pupils with pride to be a part of the Academy and enabling them to be ambassadors for their Academy. High standards of presentation are required at all times when wearing Academy uniform. It is expected that all pupils will come to school every day in a neat, clean uniform, including when travelling to and from the Academy.
The support of families is essential to this process. A smart uniform improves discipline, self-esteem and self-respect and reflects the professional environment within the Academy. Uniform focuses attention upon learning and away from potential distractions (comparisons between pupils, fashion status, designer items) and promotes equity amongst pupils.
Pupils not adhering to the uniform expectations will be supported in ensuring they do not face discrimination because of this. Pupils arriving to the Academy in incorrect uniform will be supported to rectify this by loaning items of uniform. Parents will be informed that this has taken place, so they can assist with ensuring the correct uniform is worn in future. If a student refuses to wear any item of uniform offered or if there is no replacement available, they will be placed into our Reflections and Resilience provision.
Any seasonal changes to the uniform will be commuicated to parents/carers through the MCAS app.
On occasions, where medical conditions are evidenced to the Academy, there can and will be reasonable adjustments made as appropriate.
Oulton Academy branded uniform can be purchased from:
- Better and Bright School Wear (Better & Bright Uniforms LTD – Better & Bright Uniforms LTD)
- Graham Briggs School Outfitters (Home - Graham Briggs School Outfitters)
Oulton Academy non-branded uniform can be purchased from:
- The above
- Major supermarkets
Please refer to the attached guidance regarding Oulton Academy uniform expectations.
Expectations: Required Uniform
Expectations: required academy uniform
Branded items required by the academy are limited to the blazer, tie and PE top. All other items may be purchased from any retailer provided they meet the academy's specifications.
Required Uniform
Oulton Logo Blazer (Branded)
- Blazers must be worn at all times in lessons and around the academy unless permission has been given to remove them (Hot weather etc). Blazers may be removed outside at break and lunch time but should be put back on before entering the building. When not worn, blazers must be carried and never tied around waists or forced into bags.
Oulton clip on tie (Branded)
- Must be worn at all times and fastened at the collar.
Jumper (Branded) – Optional
- To be worn with the academy blazer not instead of.
White shirt (Non-branded)
- Plain white long or short sleeve shirt with a top button. Shirts must be buttoned to the neck and tucked into trousers or skirts.
Black trousers OR Black Skirt (Non-branded)
Students should wear black socks with the trousers and black tights with skirts. (Tight-fitting trousers and skirts made from jersey, stretch or elastic materials are not considered appropriate school uniform. Skirts must be of an appropriate length and should be at least knee length)
Plain black belt (Non-branded) – Optional
Shoes
- Plain black, flat, polishable school shoes. Trainers, trainer-style shoes, boots, canvas shoes, plastic shoes and footwear with logos, bows or decorative embellishments are not permitted.
PE Kit & expectations
The correct PE kit must be brought to every PE lesson. If students do not have the correct PE kit, they will be required to borrow a PE kit in order to take part. Forgetting individual items of kit will result in a negative sanction comment. Four of these comments in a half term, along with forgetting the full PE kit, will result in a C4 afterschool detention.
All items of academy uniform and PE kit should be clearly named.
If a student is excused from a PE lesson for a medical reason, they are still required to bring their PE kit in order to participate in lessons, for example as an umpire or coach. If the injury or illness is severe enough to warrant the student taking no part in the lesson whatsoever, or if the student is physically unable to get changed into their PE kit, a note from the doctor or hospital is required and should be shown to the student’s PE teacher or learning manager before the start of the lesson so a solution can be put in place.
The following is the required dress for all students in PE:
- Green PE polo shirt with logo (available for purchase from Graham Briggs or Better & Bright) – Compulsory*
- Black PE shorts – Compulsory (NOTE: PE Shorts must be long enough to reach the mid-thigh or lower. Lycra / cycling shorts are not suitable)
- Black PE socks - Compulsory (Football style socks which can be pulled up to cover shin pads)
- Black PE Rugby shirt - Compulsory (our preferred reversable option is available for purchase from Graham Briggs or Better & Bright)
- Technical sports leggings - Optional (only those purchased from our authorised suppliers, Graham Briggs and Better & Bright will be allowed)
- Sports trainers – with non-marking soles (pumps, converse and vans style are not suitable) – Compulsory
- Football boots – Optional (Football boots are recommended for Football and Rugby lessons. Studs must be plastic, not metal)
- Shin pads - Compulsory for Football and Hockey lessons.
- Gum shield - Optional for Rugby and Hockey lessons.
- Plain black 'skins' / thermal layers may be worn underneath the PE kit in cold conditions.
- A bobble is required to up long hair.
Outdoor coats
Coats should be plain and have no large logos. Hoodies (zip-up or pullover) and sweatshirts must not be worn in place of the academy blazer.
Bags
Students require a plain school bag that can be fastened securely and large enough to carry an A4 sized folder, PE kit and their equipment for learning.
Hairstyles
Hairstyles should be appropriate for a school environment and hair colours should be natural. No extreme hairstyles, including shaved patterns or designs. Hair accessories should be plain and discreet. Oulton Academy recognises that some variations to uniform may be required for religious, cultural or medical reasons. Parents/carers should contact the academy to discuss individual circumstances.
Jewellery
The academy has a no jewellery rule, this includes clear plastic studs. Watches are permitted; however, smart watches are not allowed. Jewellery will be confiscated; the student may collect the item at the end of the school day. The student will receive an appropriate sanction for breaches of the academy rules.
Nails
Nail polish is not allowed.
False nails (including clear gels, acrylics, extensions, Shellac etc) are not allowed.
Makeup
Makeup should be subtle and appropriate for a school environment. Where there is uncertainty, the Principal's decision will be final.
Eye lashes
False eyelashes and lash extensions are not allowed.
Other school equipment
Students are required to bring:
- Two black pens
- One pencil
- One ruler
- One rubber
Incorrect uniform
Students arriving to the academy in incorrect/ missing uniform will be given the opportunity to borrow appropriate uniform from the academy. Students arriving at the academy in incorrect or missing uniform will be given the opportunity to borrow appropriate uniform from the academy. Students who refuse to wear the correct uniform provided may be removed from lessons and placed in the Reflection & Resilience Room until the issue is resolved.
Where there is uncertainty regarding compliance with the uniform policy, the Principal's decision will be final.
Mobile phones
Please refer to our [Mobile Phone Policy] for information regarding the academy's expectations for mobile devices.
