Uniform Policy

We believe that students achieve best in a purposeful, interesting and challenging College. Teaching and learning are of prime importance. However, students' attitudes to education and the promotion of a structured learning environment are vital. School uniform supports the development of a positive approach to learning.

Students transfer from a number of high schools. It is important that they develop allegiance to Burleigh and identify with the College ethos.

We are proud of the multi-ethnic, comprehensive nature of Burleigh and celebrate cultural diversity. We will therefore ensure that uniform respects religious and cultural dress.

We believe that there are practical advantages for parents in the introduction of a school uniform.

1. Principles

- School uniform is intended to be smart, conventional and free from fashion extremes.

- School uniform is also worn to help identification and to create a more secure establishment.

- School uniform will only be worn by Years 10 and 11 but sixth formers are expected to wear smart clothing.

- All items of clothing shall be 'school wear' not fashion items.

- The College will endeavour to ensure minimum cost is incurred to achieve an acceptable standard.

- The principal's decision on suitable items will be final.

- The College will adopt a rigorous programme to maintain school uniform and will enforce these standards consistently.

- Students within the sixth form are expected to wear an identification badge.

- We will ensure that uniform items are of good quality and value.

2. The Uniform - students in Years 10 and 11 must wear:

- Black school trousers

- Black footwear

- Black knee length school skirt or a jilbab

- White or black polo shirt with Burleigh logo

- Black fleece with Burleigh logo

- Black sweatshirt or zipped top with Burleigh logo

- No hats or hoods to be worn inside the building. No jeans, combats, short. No bare midriffs. Tracksuit bottoms can only be worn in conjunction with the Burleigh tracksuit - see point 7).

3. Hair

- Hair must be natural colour and of a moderate style. Braids, dreadlocks, shaved heads or other extreme hairstyles will only be allowed on religious or cultural grounds.

4. Jewellery

- One small stud or hoop in each ear and/or one small nose stud is allowed. No other facial piercing is permitted.

5. Religious Headwear

- Headwear will only be allowed on religious and cultural grounds and should preferably be in black, white or burgundy.

6. Tracksuit

- The Burleigh tracksuit may be worn as uniform with a white, black or burgundy polo shirt and trainers.

7. School Bag

- All students are expected to have a suitable bag to carry books and equipment.

8. Compliance

- Students not complying with uniform requirements will be sent home to change into correct uniform or, in certain circumstances, given a dated uniform pass. There will be a small stock of uniform items in school to lend to students.

Review

The introduction of uniform will be reviewed by Governors on a termly basis in the first year by a sub-group (staff and students). The Student Council will be asked about their views on a regular basis.