Dear Parents/Carers

REMINDER: Uniform for return to school

I trust that you and your family have had a restful summer and that your children are ready to go for the new academic year. We are very much looking forward to welcoming our students back to school for what will be an exciting and purposeful year ahead. 

As we approach the start of the new school year, I would like to provide you with a gentle reminder of our updated uniform expectations. Please support your child in having a smooth start to the academic year by ensuring that all uniform items are in place and all expectations are followed. 

A copy of our full September 2024 uniform and appearance expectations has been attached for your convenience. 

Specific Uniform items

• Students are permitted to have the Brakenhale ‘clip-on’ tie only. Instances where the clip has been removed, these ties are unsuitable for use and are not permitted to be worn. 
• Skirts are to be worn ‘to the knee.’ Students are not permitted to roll skirts or have them altered to sit shorter. 
• Trousers are to be worn at the waist and should not sit anywhere beneath the waist. 
• Students are permitted to wear shorts (tailored, to the knee only) until the October half term break. 

Piercings

• Students are only permitted to have one small stud piercing in each ear lobe. (the school’s judgement on what is considered ‘small’ is final.)
• These can be either gold or silver only. Diamonds, pearls or coloured studs are not permitted. 
• No other piercings on the ear such as tragus or top of the ear is permitted. 
• No facial piercings are permitted including nose, gum, tongue or eyebrow. Students are not permitted to wear a plastic retainer in their place, nor are they permitted to cover these with tape. 

Nails / Make-up

• Nails 
  • For nails, no false nails or nail varnish. 
• Natural appearing make-up that is not noticeable is permitted only. 
• No false lashes / eyelash extensions 

Jewellery

• No jewellery will be permitted whilst at school. 
• This includes bracelets, rings and anklets. Students may wear one watch, but this should not be a smartwatch. 

Belts/Belt Buckles

• Belts and belt buckles should be plain in appearance only. 
• The belt should be black leather and should not contain any studs or any other accessories. The buckle should also be plain in appearance and not contain any logos or unique designs that clash with the appearance of the uniform. 

Coats

• Students are welcome and encouraged to wear coats in addition to their school uniform on days where the weather is wet and/or cold. 
• These coats should be in dark colours only, ie. black, navy or dark grey.
• White or other bright colours are not in keeping with the uniform and are thus not permitted. Please note that light jackets, hoodies or sweatshirts are not acceptable. 
• Coats must only be worn outside during the school day and must be removed immediately upon entering any school building at any point in the day. 

School shoes and socks/tights

• Please note that only black, polishable school shoes are permitted to be worn in school. 
• They should look leather in appearance and be professional. Other shoes that resemble trainers, canvas or boots such as Dr Martens are not permitted and students will not be permitted to wear them. 
• Should you be unsure whether a pair of shoes are suitable or not, we could recommend seeking clarification via Pastoral@brakenhale.co.uk before you purchase. 
• Any requests for exceptions must come with a doctor's note. Students who do not have correct school shoes will be provided with a pair of shoes from our on-site uniform store. 

Plain socks are permitted to be worn to school only. These can be in black, white or grey but must be plain in nature and not ‘frilly’ in appearance. Only plain, black tights are permitted to be worn.

Uniform Store

We have a uniform store on site where students are supported to meet our uniform expectations as they can borrow specific items they need, should they not have a full school uniform. This store contains a stock of shoes, socks, tights, ties, blazers, skirts, trousers and shirts. With the exception of socks and tights, students will be required to hand in a valuable item such as a mobile phone in exchange for the uniform item to ensure that stock is returned by students at the end of the day. Borrowed items will come with one detention, unless there is an exceptional circumstance that has been communicated by a parent/carer in advance. Students are expected to borrow any missing items, where stock is available. With regards to PE T-shirts, a dark, plain T-shirt can be worn as an alternative until this temporary issue is resolved. 

Failure to meet uniform expectations

• In the rare case that a student is unable to meet our uniform expectations outlined above, they will remain out of general circulation in RFL - Ready for Learning (formerly “Reflection Room”) until the issue is resolved. 
• Should you require financial assistance in order to provide adequate uniform items, please do not hesitate to get in contact. 

We have been made aware of some supply issues with regards to specific items of uniform that have been delayed for some parents. Students in these cases will not be sanctioned for these missing uniform items and we will work with parents to supply these items temporarily, where we can. Please communicate this in advance to Pastoral@brakenhale.co.uk if this is the case for you and your family. 

Should you have any further questions, queries or concerns regarding uniform, please do not hesitate to contact Pastoral@brakenhale.co.uk and your communication will be passed on to the relevant member of staff to respond.

Kind regards

Mr P McKane, Assistant Headteacher