Uniform

At Highfields our standards are very high and students wear their uniform with pride.

We have a strict uniform policy for the simple reason that it enables every child to attend school in an equal and fair way. By maintaining this expectation we ensure that appearance does not advantage or disadvantage any child based on fashion choice, socio-economic wealth or body shape/size.

We strongly believe that this basic equality is a fundamental right of children in our school and that this is vital to a caring and safe learning environment.

Parents/carers are expected to ensure that students arrive at school in correct uniform and that on the rare occasion where uniform cannot be adhered to, then a note is provided which clearly explains any temporary reason for this.

We firmly believe that our uniform should offer value for money and that the cost of uniform should never be a barrier to a child attending the school. Therefore, the school will ensure the following:

• Uniform costs and durability are balanced to ensure good value for money. Although the costs of our branded items are more than their supermarket equivalents, their quality is such that they will last much longer.

• There will be no significant changes to the uniform without long term notification to parents/carers.

• The school will help families with financial assistance, where appropriate and as needed, when cost is a barrier to their child attending school and meeting our uniform expectations. This can be discussed and agreed on a case-by-case basis.

• Our uniform is suitable for the whole year. Due to the insulation standards of modern buildings such as ours, students rarely need to wear knitwear and as such this should not be necessary.

• We will review our uniform to ensure value for money especially of all branded items.

• When students need to change ties as they progress through the school, we will provide them.

• The school will work with local partners to collect donated uniform that is previously worn but in good condition that can be accessed by families who need this, free of charge.

• No specific requirements of coats or bags other than they are suitable for school and the carrying of books/ kit. PE Kit options are available where branded kit is not affordable.

Our School Uniform Policy does not contain reference to gender and the uniform prescribed is designed to be worn by any/all students regardless of gender. Uniform ensures equality of students as appropriate in a school learning environment.

Uniform Overview

All branded Uniform and PE Kit items from the Highfields range must be purchased through local school outfitters Lads & Lasses. Please contact your child's Year Team should you have any specific difficulties relating to the provision of school uniform.

Essential Branded Items

• School tie

• Blazer with school badge

• Black skirt (Plain or Pleated) with school logo OR

• Black Trousers with school logo

Optional Extras (Not Required)

• 'V' Neck jumper with school logo and maroon stripe

• Cardigan with school logo and maroon stripe

• Tank top with school logo and maroon stripe

Generic Items

• Plain white shirt or blouse with collar. Shirts should be able to be buttoned to the top, long enough to be tucked into skirt or trousers and a loose fitting style

• Plain black leather shoes with a suitable low heel for school - Please do not purchase shoes with visible or coloured logos. No boots, trainers, brown or canvas shoes should be worn.

  Tights should be black, plain and not patterned

• Socks should be black or white ankle socks

Please note

• Apart from one small signet ring and a watch, jewellery may not be worn in school. Students may wear one pair of small plain studs; these must be removed for PE activities. Piercings should be safe, subtle and discreet. Facial piercings with studs or rings are NOT accepted.

• Items of jewellery and mobile phones are brought to school at your own risk.

• Any make-up worn should be minimal and appropriate. Nail polish should be subtle and of one colour, long false nails should not be worn to school.

• False eyelashes should not be worn to school.

• Outdoor coats made of denim, leather or suede should not be worn. Outdoor coats, hats and caps should not be worn inside the building. Hooded tops may not be worn in school or on the way to or from school.

• Blazers should be worn at all times and cannot be removed in lessons without permission from a member of staff.

• Jumpers should not be worn as a substitute for a blazer. Any t-shirts or undergarments worn under the school shirt should not be visible through the shirt.

• Ties should be of a suitable length and not loose hanging.

• It is not acceptable for students to have patterns cut or unnatural colours dyed into their hair or eyebrows.

• Uniform should be worn appropriately and correctly without modification.

• Torn or damaged items should be replaced as soon as possible.

The school applies a common sense approach to general appearance. This allows us to achieve a balance in our approach to hairstyles, hair colours, piercings and application of make-up. Whilst we do not prohibit specific “styles” of appearance outside of our uniform code we reserve the right to address/ prohibit anything we feel is excessive, inappropriate or extreme.

PE Kit

Essential Items

• Branded Polo Top

• Branded Shorts or Skort

• Base Layer

• Socks

Optional Extras (Not Required)

• Branded Jogging Bottoms

• Branded Leggings

• Branded Leotard

• Branded Mid Layer

• Branded Showerproof Jacket

Generic Items

• Trainers

Students will wear full uniform each day and change for PE, Dance and sports activities. If a student is attending sporting clubs before school, they can change into their school uniform after the activity and before lessons start.

Sixth Form Dress Code

Students who enter the Sixth Form as young adults within the school community are expected to be well-presented and smartly dressed. They should set an example to the rest of the school, whilst enjoying the privilege of expressing themselves more independently. Ultimately, students enter the Sixth Form to work and contribute to the wider school community – their dress should reflect this.

Additionally

• Coats are to be removed when entering the building

• Blazers must be worn when moving around the building although need not be worn in the classroom

• ID badge to be worn at all times

• Make up and jewellery should be discreet and facial piercings with studs or rings are not permitted

• Tattoos should be covered

• Unnatural hair colours are not permitted

• Nail polish should be subtle and of one colour, long false nails should not be worn to school

Any student deemed to not be wearing the correct attire will be asked to go home and change.

Uniform Swap Shop

St Columba’s Church has a Uniform Swap Shop with free pre-loved school uniform available. They have lots of outgrown branded school uniform, shirts, coats and much more. You don’t need to take clothes to swap but uniform donations are very welcome.

Using the Swap Shop not only saves money but also helps the environment by:

• Keeping outgrown clothes out of landfill

• Reusing clothes that have plenty of life left in them

• Meaning less clothes need to be made

Additional information is available on their Facebook page @stcolumbaswolverhampton and you contact them via email events@stcolumbasurc.com or please read this Swap Shop Information Leaflet.

You can also give your pre-loved uniform to Highfields or donate it back to Lads and Lasses by putting it into their clothing bin in front of the shop.