Uniform

Rationale

Merchants’ Academy believes that high standards of dress are important to all students and staff as it helps to lay the foundations that are needed for life in the 21st Century. Smart dress instills confidence and pride, together with demonstrating respect for the values that we uphold and therefore prepares students for life in the workplace.

The Academy has a strict, gender neutral uniform policy which ensures that students are fully focused on learning as opposed to fashion or trends. The policy also contributes to ensuring students’ safety both whilst in the Academy but also makes them clearly identifiable and distinct when on visits/trips or on their journey to and from the site.

The Academy uniform provides students with many positive advantages, because uniform:

  • Makes them ambassadors for the Academy in the local community
  • Places stronger focus on academic performance
  • Creates an atmosphere of teamwork
  • Encourages pride in personal appearance and of the Academy
  • Promotes safety, particularly through making it easier to identify strangers
  • Diminishes the social exclusion of students based on what they are wearing
  • Increases self-esteem and reduces peer pressure

General Appearance

Jewellery: One pair of small (maximum 5mm) plain sleepers or studs may be worn if ears are pierced. No stones are allowed. No other piercing is allowed. All jewellery must be removed for PE activities.

Make-up: No nail varnish or nail extensions are to be worn. No visible make-up is acceptable.

Hair/headwear: Hairstyles should be appropriate for the Academy and be of one natural colour. No extremes of fashion can be worn and no cut should be below grade 3. No scarves/gloves/warm hats to be worn when inside the Academy buildings. No caps are acceptable. No decorative attachments are to be worn in the hair. Slides and clips should be minimal and not fashion items. Headwear required by a religion and agreed by the Academy must be plain black.

Valuables

Merchants’ Academy will not accept liability for any claim arising from theft, accidental loss or damage to personal effects, belongings or clothing whilst at the Academy. Electronic devices including mobile phones, Smart phones, music devices, computer games etc. are not permitted.

UNIFORM: Merchants’ Academy Primary

 

Uniform

 

White polo shirt:  White polo shirt (Nursery – Year 6).

Black trousers: Classic style. No jeans, joggers, skinny trousers, leggings or hipsters should be worn.

Black Skirt: Must be knee length.

Dress: Black and white gingham dress.

Shorts: Only black tailored shorts. Must be knee length.

Black, plain, low-heeled shoes: No boots (as defined as those items where the ankle bone is covered)and no trainers, fabric shoes, pumps, daps or shoes with open toes or heels.

Academy Black V-neck jumper: Regulation jumper with logo.

Black Academy cardigan: Optional.

Outside Coat: No hoodies, cardigans, sweatshirts, tracksuits, denim, waistcoats will be acceptable. Coats must be removed when inside the Academy buildings.

Socks: Plain black/grey/white.

Tights: Black or grey. Leggings are unacceptable.

Appropriate carry bag: Suitable for books/equipment.

 

Sports Wear:

White t-shirt

Black shorts or joggin bottoms

Daps for indoors, trainers for outdoor PE.

Appropriate carry bag

 

UNIFORM: Merchants’ Academy Secondary

 

 Secondary Uniform

White, plain shirt: Must have a collar, to support the formal wearing of a tie, with top button done up. Must be tucked in. No item beneath shirt should be visible. No fitted blouses.

Black trousers: Classic style. No jeans, joggers, skinny trousers, leggings or hipsters should be worn.

Black with white trim skirt: Classic style/material. Must be knee length. Only to be purchased from Price and Buckland

Black, plain, low heeled shoes or trainers: No boots (as defined as those items where the ankle bone is covered), fabric shoes, daps or shoes with open toes or heels. Laces, stitching and soles must be black and no visible logos.

Black Academy blazer: Regulation blazer with logo. Must be worn at all times unless instructed by the Academy (except for when eating in the restaurant). Y8-11 only.

Academy tie: Regulation tie. Must be worn to 7 stripes.

Grey Academy V-neck jumper: Regulation jumper with logo.  Must be worn at all times unless instructed by Academy.

Outside Coat: No hoodies, cardigans, sweatshirts, tracksuits, denim or waistcoats will be acceptable. Coats must be removed when inside the Academy buildings.

Socks: Plain black/grey/white.

Tights: Black or grey. Leggings are unacceptable.

Black, plain belt: Optional. This should have a standard buckle with no extreme designs.

Designated Academy badge: If appropriate.

Appropriate carry bag: Suitable for books/equipment.

Sports Wear:

Academy reversible sport shirt in house colours

Academy polo shirt

Black shorts or skort – Black / coloured tight sportswear or leggings are not acceptable.

Black socks

Trainers/Football boots

Mouth guards are required for rugby

Title Date