At Sandwell Academy, our uniform is more than just clothing – it is a visible symbol of our culture and our shared commitment to The SA Way. It represents our school values of being brave, being kind, and being proud. Our students wear their uniform with pride, knowing they are part of something bigger than themselves: a community that strives for excellence, integrity, and respect.
Be Proud – Wear It Well
Wearing uniform correctly reflects pride in yourself, your House, and the Academy.
Be Kind – Represent Our Community
Being kind includes being mindful of how your appearance impacts others and the wider community.
Be Brave – Take Responsibility
Being brave means being honest and accountable – even when things aren’t perfect.
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)
White blouse
Academy kilt – below the knee OR Academy grey trousers
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.
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.
Or
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.
Brightly coloured hair dyes and totally shaved or decorated scalps are unacceptable for the Academy. Hair accessories must be sensible.
Staff will closely monitor students to ensure they are consistently meeting the Academy’s uniform and equipment expectations.
Students are expected to resolve any uniform issues as they arrive at school, before attending their first session, by visiting the Standards Station if needed. If a student arrives at their first session with incorrect uniform or missing equipment, this will be logged on Class Charts, parents and carers can view this event. The student will be asked to resolve the issue or hand in any prohibited items. Any prohibited uniform item will be placed in a confiscation envelope, and taken by the class teacher to the Welfare Hub, where it will be stored securely in the Academy safe.
Where a uniform issue cannot be resolved immediately, the class teacher will notify the Welfare Team via Class Charts. A Pastoral Manager will support in addressing the issue. If resolved, the student will return to session. If the issue cannot be rectified, the Welfare Team will contact parents directly.
Failure to comply with reasonable instructions to correct uniform or appearance will be treated as a behaviour issue and dealt with in line with the Academy’s Behaviour Regulation and Relationships Policy.
Confiscated items will be returned at the end of each week. They will be securely stored in the Academy safe and made available for collection at 3:20pm on Fridays from the member of the Welfare Team on duty in the restaurant.
Persistent or repeated breaches of the uniform policy will be managed by the student’s Head of Year and/or the Deputy Head responsible for Uniform.
Where financial hardship is suspected as a barrier to meeting expectations, staff will take a compassionate and supportive approach. Our aim is to work collaboratively with families to remove any barriers and ensure all students are able to comply with the policy with dignity.
To ensure families have access to high-quality, affordable uniform, Sandwell Academy works with two approved uniform suppliers. These suppliers stock all items required for the full Academy uniform, including the official Academy rucksacks launching in September 2025. Sandwell Academy uniform is stocked locally by:
Gogna School Wear & Sports Unit 1B Demuth Way, Oldbury B69 4LT.
Tel: 0121 523 5572
https://www.gogna.me/schools/sandwell-academy-schoolwear/
Clive Mark School Wear 4-5 Three Shires Oak Road, Warley, B67 5AX
Tel: 0121 429 4244 https://clivemark.co.uk/
As part of our commitment to maintaining high standards and supporting all families, we run the Uniform Unity initiative – a student-led group that oversees the collection, organisation, and distribution of second-hand uniform. This stock is primarily used to supply our Standards Station, where students can purchase essential uniform items to quickly resolve any uniform issues they have before attending their first session, ensuring they are ready for learning. A small charge is applied to items to support the running of the initiative. While we aim to keep a range of sizes available, stock can be limited and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. If families require support or wish to enquire about available second-hand uniform, they are encouraged to contact the Academy directly.