Uniform
Introduction
At Queensbridge School we are proud of our standards of school uniform and equipment that are the result of a high degree of cooperation between parents/carers, pupils and the school.
We are firm believers in a school uniform that is properly and consistently worn. We believe that this helps young people to develop a real pride in themselves and their school and to look smart helps them to think smart too. A uniform helps pupils to feel part of our community and makes the point that there is no discrimination. It sets a standard which supports our expectations of work and behaviour. We find it helps maintain the right environment for learning.
All pupils wear their uniform both in school and when representing the school at events or on visits. When the pupils are travelling to and from school in the community, we expect that the same high uniform expectations are met with the pupils wearing the uniform with pride and role modelling our beliefs. In this respect, we expect no less from our pupils than an employer would expect of their employees.
Uniform Procedures
Each morning, tutors check the uniform of tutees and your child will be referred to the Head of Year if they are in the incorrect uniform. The Head of Year will decide on how to proceed.
These ways forward include but are not limited to:
- Phoning parents to ask them to bring the correct item of uniform into school.
- Asking for permission to send the pupil home to rectify their uniform.
- Providing a uniform loan.
- Correcting the appearance issue at the pastoral office before being allowed back into circulation.
- Issuing a temporary uniform pass to enable families a short period of time to rectify an incorrect item of uniform.
Pupils will be referred to Head of Year for:
- Incorrect uniform (including but not limited to incorrect shoes, inappropriate trousers or skirt, incorrect PE or Dance Kit).
- Inappropriate makeup (including false nails that pose a safeguarding risk) or jewellery (that pose a safeguarding risk).
- An inappropriate piercing (that poses a safeguarding risk).
Tutors and Heads of Year will call home to discuss repeat offenders of uniform issues each week. If pupils persistently breach our uniform and appearance policy then we reserve the right to use appropriate sanctions whilst supporting parents/carers and pupils to rectify the issue.
Pre-loved Uniform
We are committed to supporting our community with the ongoing costs of school uniforms. We work closely with our suppliers to ensure we have a uniform that is hard wearing, smart and affordable with minimal logos to ensure that costs are not excessively high.
We regularly collect pre-worn uniform, that we then ensure is washed and cleaned and re-sold on the school site at all of our major events such as progress evenings, concerts and other school events. We also sell second-hand bags and coats that have been lost or donated to school. All funds raised go directly back to our school leadership team to distribute these funds to the various projects they are running.
Uniform Expectations
1. Footwear
- Shoes must be plain black, formal in style and polishable
- Trainers, canvas shoes and sports-style footwear are not permitted
- Large or visible branding/logos are not permitted
2. Skirts
- Must be navy blue
- Must be appropriate for a school environment (not excessively short or tight)
- Fitted or Lycra skirts are not permitted
- Black skirts are not permitted
3. Trousers
- Must be navy blue, full length and formal in style
- Must be worn at the waist
- Denim, leggings or tight-fitting styles are not permitted
4. Shorts
- May be worn
- Must be navy blue and tailored
- Skorts are not permitted
5. Jumpers
- Navy blue V-neck jumper with the school ‘Q’ logo
- Hoodies and sweatshirts are not permitted
6. Polo shirts
- Pale blue polo shirt with the school ‘Q’ logo
- Long or short sleeve permitted
- Base layers must not be visible
7. Appearance
- Hair must be a natural colour
- Makeup should be subtle and appropriate for school
- Nails must be a safe length and appropriate for all school activities
- Caps, hats and sunglasses must not be worn inside the school building
Where appearance poses a health and safety risk, staff will take immediate action.
8. Jewellery and Piercings
- Minimal jewellery is permitted for safety reasons
- Acceptable items include:
- stud earrings or small hoops (flush to the ear)
- nose studs (no hoops)
- Additional piercings must be removed or covered with medical tape
- Bracelets must be minimal and removed where required for safety
Jewellery must be removed for specific lessons (e.g. PE, DT, Food Technology)
9. Mobile Phones and Smart Devices
Mobile phones and smart devices must not be visible anywhere on the school site.
- Devices seen will be confiscated
- They will be returned in line with the school Behaviour Policy
- Repeat breaches will result in further sanctions
Jewellery must be removed for specific lessons (e.g. PE, DT, Food Technology)
10. PE and Dance Kit
PE Lessons – Required:
- Short-sleeved PE top with ‘Q’ logo
- Dark blue tracksuit bottoms, shorts or sports leggings
- Dark blue or white crew socks (no ankle or invisible socks)
- Suitable sports trainers for indoor and outdoor sports and physical activities
Optional:
- School-branded mid-layer or games top
- Plain underlayers in cold weather
- Pupils wanting to participate in rugby club are encouraged to bring a gum shield
- Pupils wanting to participate in football club are encouraged to bring shin pads
Dance Lessons – Required:
- Short-sleeved PE top with ‘Q’ logo
- Plain dark blue tracksuit bottoms or sports leggings. No flared or wide legs
- No shorts or skorts
- Barefoot (no socks or trainers)
11. Affordable Uniform
- At Queensbridge School we are committed to ensuring that our uniform remains affordable for families and that uniform is never a barrier to pupils receiving an outstanding education.
- Our uniform policy has taken account of the law passed in parliament on 29th April 2021 and will be compliant with any statutory guidance released from government.
- Queensbridge School welcomes the Government’s recognition that the quality and longevity of garments should be considered alongside their cost. It is for this reason that we have limited garments as ‘branded items’. Branded items of our uniform help to create a sense of belonging and identity.
The following local uniform suppliers provide all branded items of uniform:
Clive Mark Schoolwear, 38 Poplar Road, Kings Heath (0121 444 0606)
Mansuri Stratford Road Store, 764 Stratford Rd, Birmingham B11 4BP (0121 778 2787)
All other uniform items can be sourced for an affordable price from any school uniform stockist including Sainsbury’s, ASDA, Tesco, Matalan and M&S.
If parents/carers require assistance with school uniform due to financial constraints then please do not hesitate to contact the school via the relevant Head of Year.
12. Further details
- We ask that parents/carers mark all items of clothing with the pupil's name, in order for us to return any lost possessions to the rightful owner.
- We will contact home whenever there is a problem with uniform. Should there be any questions as to what acceptable school uniform is, please contact the school to clarify matters before purchase.
- Ideally, please send the school a photo of the item if you are concerned it might not meet the school uniform policy. Alternatively, keep the receipt and bring the item to school and we can look at it to confirm that it complies with our policy. In this way families avoid unnecessary expense.
- Queensbridge School reserves the right to amend the uniform and appearance policy when necessary. We will always endeavour to be reasonable in our deadlines for changes in policy where applicable.
Equipment for every lesson
- School bag – suitable to carry A4 folders/books.
- Pencil case – containing the following items:
- Blue pens
- Black pens
- Green pens
- Pencils
- Sharpener
- Eraser
- Ruler
- Gluestick
- Highlighters
- Scientific calculator.
- Reading book (can be borrowed from the library but must be carried in school bags at all times).