Uniform
School Uniform and Dress Code
At Parkside Academy we see school uniform as an essential part of school life. It is a symbol of belonging and reinforces the pride in who we are as a school community. Uniform promotes equality among students from different backgrounds by eliminating clothing-based distinctions and reduces peer pressure and bullying. Uniform is a reflection of the high expectations that we have for our students; we want to prepare them for life after school, where many will be required to adhere to a strict dress code. The table below is designed to provide some clarity over what constitutes correct uniform:
| Acceptable | Non-acceptable |
|---|---|
| Black Blazer with school badge | Hoodies or zipped tops |
| Plain black trousers | Leggings, Jeans, Combat trousers, joggers/tracksuit bottoms |
| Plain black belt | Fashion belts and/or large buckles |
| Plain black twin pleat or pencil skirt, knee length, with black opaque tights | Tube skirts, lycra skirts, short skirts (above the knee) |
| White shirt tucked in to trousers/skirt | Polo shirts |
| Parkside school tie | Any other variation of tie |
| Black school shoes – no other colours or logos | Trainers, canvas shoes, boots (including Uggs), Crocs |
| School jumper or plain black jumper | Other coloured, patterned or branded jumpers, hoodies, zipped tops |
| An outdoor coat worn over the top of the blazer between lessons and in outdoor social areas | Jackets or hoodies worn underneath the blazer or in place of the blazer |
| Jewellery – one set of plain studs, a watch | Rings, looped earrings, bracelets, necklaces, smart watches |
| Light, discreet make-up | Excessive make-up and/or fake tan |
| Natural eyelashes and nails | Strip lashes, ‘individuals’ eyelash extensions, coloured nail varnish, acrylic and gel nails |
PE Kit
Compulsory items for all years, boys and girls:
- Parkside polo shirt.
- Plain black tracksuit bottoms, plain black shorts or sports leggings (Parkside branded leggings are available but no compulsory)
- Plain black or Black/Amber hooped socks
- Sports training shoes.
The following items are optional / recommended:
- Parkside outdoor top – no other outdoor top may be worn instead
- Parkside base layer
- Shin pads
- Studded boots – not metal studs
- Mouth guards
- Head guards
P.E. lessons continue to be taught outdoors throughout the winter so an outdoor top
and/or base layer are strongly recommended.
All jewellery must be removed during P.E. lessons. This includes ear studs.
Parents are reminded that the school cannot accept responsibility for items lost, damaged or stolen from changing rooms and around
Equipment
All students will need a pen, pencil, ruler, scientific calculator and a suitable bag to carry books, equipment, P.E. kit etc.
- A planner will be provided at the start of the year but replacement planners will have to be paid for by students. Mobile phones are not allowed as substitutes for calculators.
- Jewellery: the only jewellery allowed is one small set of plain gold or silver ear studs in the lobe and/or a wristwatch. Smart watches should not to be worn. Inappropriate jewellery will be confiscated.
- Hairstyles: hair should be tidy, clean and suitable for a working environment, e.g. no hair dyed in unnatural colours; no hairstyles representing cults/gangs e.g. Mohican, Goth etc.; no hair shaved or lined or dyed in strips, patterns, initials etc. Long hair must be tied back for practical subjects.
- Make-up: if used at all, should be light, discreet and not excessive. We discourage the use of ‘fake tan’. Coloured nail varnish, wrapped, acrylic and gel nails are not allowed. False eyelashes and semi-permanent eyelashes are not allowed.
- Piercings and tattoos: facial and visible body piercings are not allowed. Covering up piercings with plasters is not a solution – please do not arrange piercings to coincide with term dates as students will be asked to remove inappropriate studs in line with policy.
- Tattoos are illegal under the “Tattooing of Minors Act, 1969”.
- School bag: it is expected that all students will carry a school bag with their equipment in, this should be big enough to hold an A4 file/book school, such as tablets and mobile phones.
Requests to vary the school uniform due to religious beliefs and ethnicity will be considered by the Governing Body.
Uniform Suppliers
From January 2023 our uniform suppliers will be as follows:
- The primary supplier for uniform is Michael Sehgal and Sons LTD
- PE kit is provided by Emblematic LTD
Should you not have access to the internet, alternative arrangements can be made for the ordering of uniform. Please contact the school office.
Telephone number for Michael Sehgal and Sons Ltd: 0191 230 2320
Telephone number for Emblematic: 0191 270 1449
Support
If a student is having difficulty in fulfilling any aspect of this policy, then we do ask that communication occurs with the school in order to resolve any issues. The school is able to offer a “Swap Shop” and we also have a well stocked uniform cupboard, including new and pre-worn items. We are happy to support parents/carers and students in any way we can. For further information please contact the school via the following email address contact@parkside.org.uk.
Our Uniform Policy can be found on the Policies and Procedures webpage.
