Academy Uniform

To facilitate effective teaching and learning at Sandwell Academy there is a strict code of conduct with respect to uniform and office dress for both staff and students.  Establishing and maintaining high expectations of appearance for staff and students is essential to supporting the ethos of a professional, business orientated, educational environment.

In our diverse community, some of our students follow religious guidance on aspects of appropriate clothing.  Sandwell Academy is sensitive to the requirements of specific items of dress code required by religious beliefs.

We ask for your support and co-operation to help keep the standards of students’ uniform as high as possible. 

For details of the Academy's policy, please see the Uniform Policy. The following information is a brief outline of the guidance. This is not comprehensive. The Academy's decision on Uniform is final. 

Second hand uniform is available direct from the Academy.

Male Uniform

Name badge (provided by the Academy)

Academy tie

White shirt

Academy grey trousers

Academy blazer with Academy logo on breast pocket

Academy sweater (optional)

Black socks

Black plain shoes of a sensible design. Pumps, training shoes, boots, or ankle boots, shoes with deep tread soles or with a logo or reflective design are not allowed (e.g. Kickers). If a student has the incorrect footwear on they will be sent home to get the correct shoes. If this is not possible students will need to wear the Academy pumps.

Suitable carrying bag (Large enough to carry two A4 folders)

Female Uniform

Name badge (provided by the Academy)

Academy tie

White blouse

Academy kilt – below the knee OR Academy grey trousers

Academy blazer with Academy logo on breast pocket

Academy sweater/cardigan (optional) – to be worn in addition to blazer and not in place of

Black knee-length socks or black tights

Black plain shoes of a sensible design with heels no higher than 2 inches, not stiletto or kitten style. Pumps, training shoes, boots, or ankle boots, shoes with deep tread soles or with a logo or reflective design are not allowed (e.g. Kickers). If a student has the incorrect footwear on they will be sent home to get the correct shoes. If this is not possible students will need to wear the Academy pumps.

Suitable carrying bag (Large enough to carry two A4 folders)

Sixth Form Male Uniform

  • Name badge (provided by the Academy). For safeguarding reasons name badges should be worn by students and staff at all times when on the Academy site.
  • Smart business style suit/blazer and trousers.
  • Collared shirt and tie (jumpers should not be worn over shirts).
  • Sensible black shoes with no logo or reflective decoration are permitted. (Pumps, training shoes, shoes and boots with deep tread soles or with a logo or reflective design are not allowed).

Jewellery

Nose studs, ear stretchers, body and tongue piercing and related jewellery are not allowed. However, Sixth Form students may wear jewellery that conforms to Health and Safety regulations, however multiple piercings are not allowed.

Hairstyle

Brightly coloured hair dyes and totally shaved or decorated scalps including shaved lines, are unacceptable for the Academy.

Students are not permitted to wear denim jackets, baseball hats, cropped tops or hooded sweatshirts. Parents are asked to clearly label all items of clothing with the student’s name.

All Sixth Form students are encouraged to take a pride in their personal appearance. The Senior Management reserve the right to take appropriate action to ensure all students dress

appropriately to enhance the reputation and reinforce the ethos of Sandwell Academy.

 
Sixth Form Female Uniform
  • Name badge (provided by the Academy). For safeguarding reasons name badges should be worn by students and staff at all times when on the Academy site.
  • Smart business style suit (matching ie same colour or co-ordinated): Jacket and smart trousers (no leggings, jeggings, chinos etc).

Or

  • Blazer and skirt (knee length).
  • Blouse or shirt (not low cut and no T Shirts).
  • Smart sensible shoes (Heels no higher than 5 cm and not of a kitten or stiletto style, pumps, training shoes, shoes and boots with deep tread soles or with a logo or reflective design are not allowed).

Jewellery

Nose studs, body and tongue piercing and related jewellery are not allowed. However, Sixth Form students may wear jewellery that conforms to Health and Safety regulations, however large hoop earrings and multiple piercings are not allowed.

Hairstyle

Brightly coloured hair dyes and totally shaved or decorated scalps are unacceptable for the Academy. Hair accessories must be sensible.

Students are not permitted to wear denim jackets, baseball hats, cropped tops or hooded sweatshirts. Parents are asked to clearly label all items of clothing with the student’s name.

All Sixth Form students are encouraged to take a pride in their personal appearance. The Senior Management reserve the right to take appropriate action to ensure all students dress

appropriately to enhance the reputation and reinforce the ethos of Sandwell Academy.

PE Kit for All Students

  • Academy Polo shirt with badge
  • Academy Shorts or Gym Skirt
  • Academy Sport Socks
  • White Sports Socks
  • Academy Tracksuit with badge
  • Academy Sweatshirt with badge
  • Non marking soled shoes – ie suitable trainers for physical activity which provide support and protection to feet
  • Towel
  • Suitable carrying bag
  • We recommend that for hockey, students should use shin pads and a mouth guard to comply with Health and Safety advice. These are available from most sports shops
  • Students involved in physical activities are required to wear Academy PE clothing
  • Optional Items for PE sessions and fixtures
  • Sandwell Academy Hat
  • Sandwell Academy Gloves

KS4/KS5 Performing Arts Students

  • Sandwell Academy Performing Arts T shirt and sweatshirt
  • Black Tracksuit Bottoms or Jazz Pants
  • Jazz Shoes

Student Uniform & Dress Code

Students in Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 should wear the prescribed uniform at all times. Sixth Form students do not wear the prescribed uniform but should wear clothing appropriate for the business world or office environment. (Specific details are outlined later in this policy). If students do not conform, parents will be asked to collect them immediately and will not be allowed to return to the Academy until the issue is resolved. in the case of Sixth Form, they will be asked to return home to amend their attire as required and return to the Academy straight away. Please be aware that due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Academy is unable to loan items of uniform. 

Members of the general public make judgements about Sandwell Academy based upon standards of academic achievement, behaviour and uniform. All students are expected to wear full uniform when being transported to and from the Academy. Students are expected to take pride in their appearance and this should be replicated in the way uniform is worn. It is essential that all students take their ambassadorial role for the Academy seriously at all times.

Jewellery

Earrings, rings, nose studs, body and tongue piercing and related jewellery are not allowed. One plain metal stud (gold or silver) can be used for pierced ears and a watch may be worn. Ear stretchers are not allowed.

Hairstyle

No extreme hairstyle or colouring (including totally, partially shaved, or decorated scalps, brightly coloured hair dyes). Sensible hair accessories in black or navy blue.

Nail Varnish

Nail varnish and any form of false nail are not permitted.

Make-Up

Key Stage 3 (Years 7 & 8) – Not to be worn

Key Stage 4 (Years 9,10 & 11) – Mascara only

Key Stage 5 (6.1 and 6.2) – Appropriate make up for the office.

Academy Kilts and Trousers

No variation of the kilt or trouser style is acceptable. Parents should ensure that they purchase kilts or trousers from one of the Academy's uniform suppliers.

Students are not permitted to wear denim jackets, baseball hats or hooded sweatshirts.

Religious Consideration

A Hijab may be worn but only in a black or navy blue colour.

Financial Bursary Support

Eligible parents and Sixth Form students will be given financial support to help with their purchases of uniform or office dress. The Student Support and Welfare Officer, who is contactable via the Academy Reception, is able to provide further details concerning eligibility and the nature of support available.