School Uniform
Having a school uniform 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 or size. We strongly believe this basic equality is a fundamental right of children in education and that this is vital to a caring and safe learning environment.
Uniform standards are high at Thomas Keble School. Our uniform code is inclusive, smart and de-gendered as we see no constructive or sensible reason why girls and boys should wear different clothes. Parents are expected to ensure that students arrive at school in correct uniform. The goal of our uniform policy is for students to feel comfortable and able to fully participate in school life.
For Year 7 students from September 2023:
- Thomas Keble school blazer with the Thomas Keble logo, purchased from our approved supplier;
- Plain white long-sleeved or short sleeved collared shirt;
- Herring-grey/charcoal trousers OR Herring grey/ charcoal knee-length skirt;
- Optional herring grey/ charcoal shorts;
- Optional Royal Blue Thomas Keble branded jumper from our approved supplier;
- Plain shoes or ankle boots which should be black, leather-look, suitable for school and be polishable. Any logos or markings must be the same colour as the shoe.
- Soft canvas ‘daps’ are not permitted;
- Plain and un-ripped black or grey tights;
- Socks should be plain black, grey or white and suitable for school;
- No jeggings, skinny fashion or Lycra/Jersey trousers;
- No denim or cord material.
Cartilage piercings are not permitted, with the exception of a clear nose retainer which may be worn and removed from PE lessons. No other Cartilage piercings may be worn including transparent or non-metallic piercings
Students may wear one pair of small studs, one in each earlobe
Piercings in any other part of the body are not permitted
Our preferred supplier is Bateman's
2 Kendrick Street,
Stroud,
Gloucestershire
GL5 1AB
Telephone 01453 764320
Email: sales@batemanssports.co.uk
Lending Arrangements
The vast majority of pupils, with the support of their parents or carers, conform to our uniform expectations. Standards in the school are high. Choosing not to wear uniform as set out in the Uniform Policy is considered to be a behavior and if persistent, as an act of defiance.
Form tutors check uniform each morning and log any uniform issues on the school platform.
If this log shows a pattern of non-conpliance, the Head of Year will speak to the student and contact home to determine the context and to see if support is needed.
The school may ask that a student:
- Borrows a pair of school shoes for the day from school, with the students own non-uniform footwear given in exchange for the school pair, and returned at the end of the day;
- Borrows a school jumper for the day, with an inappropriate jumper provided in exchange, which is given back at the end of the day;
- Borrows a school blazer for the day, with an appropriate item such as a mobile phone provided in exchange, which is given back at the end of the day;
- Removes false nails or false eyelashes;
- Removes piercings which are not permitted. Refusal to do so is considered defiance and is sanctioned accordingly. This may include suspension from school or being placed into isolation for the day or suspended.
Second hand uniform
Second Hand uniform is managed by the PTA (Parent Teacher Association). To contact the PTA regarding second hand uniform, please email tkpta@thomaskeble.gloucs.sch.uk for further information
DfE Statutory Guidance to schools
The government has produced statutory (required) guidance for schools
DfE Uniform Guidance for Schools
Schools and their governing boards must have regard to this statutory guidance and should read it alongside the non-statutory guidance on school uniform.
The purpose of the statutory guidance is to ensure the cost of school uniforms is reasonable and provides the best value for money.
It outlines the cost considerations for schools when they are:
- Developing and implementing their uniform policies
- Managing their uniform supply arrangements
It also covers:
- The provision of second-hand uniform.
- Other support available to help with the cost of school uniform.
- The information schools should provide to parents about their uniform requirements.
- The limit on the number of compulsory branded items of uniform and PE kit that schools can require.
This guidance is issued under the Education (Guidance about Costs of School Uniforms) Act 2021. The act requires the appropriate authorities of relevant schools to have regard to the guidance.
Schools and their governing boards will also need to comply with other relevant legal obligations – in particular, duties under equalities legislation.
Please note that The Headteacher’s ruling on matters regarding uniform is final.