Uniform and equipment

All pupils must dress according to our Uniform Policy, which reflects our values and reinforces our school’s culture of high expectations and academic achievement.

Our school uniform is important to us because it is one way in which we identify ourselves as a school family and it promotes a strong, cohesive school identity which supports high standards and expectations in all areas of school life.

Our school uniform is designed to allow students to dress in a professional manner. We dress for business because we mean business. When wearing our school uniform, students are ambassadors for Ark Alexandra Academy. They must behave as they would whist at school including when they are on school trips and travelling to and from school.

Any student who does not have complete school uniform may be asked to change, or a parent called to bring correct uniform into school. Students will not be allowed into circulation if they do not have the correct uniform or if their appearance does not comply with the school’s policy. On occasions, the school may be able to lend items of uniform, but a deposit will be required (e.g., bus pass). However, students must not rely on the school to provide them with uniform. Students may not store items of uniform at school overnight.

The uniform includes:

• Ark Alexandra blazer
• Navy blue school trousers (no jeans, leggings, or trousers of this style) OR navy-blue school skirt (pleated and branded only which must cover the knee when standing. Must contain the school brand and can only be purchased from the school uniform shop). Skirts may not be rolled up to make shorter.
• Ark Alexandra school jumper (optional and not the PE jumper)
• White collared shirt with all buttons fastened, including the top button.
• Ark Alexandra tie (worn to touch the top of the trousers or skirt).
• Plain black ankle socks or tights must be worn by students when wearing a branded skirt; Knee length socks are not permitted.
• Ruck sack style bags only. Bags may have a small logo and should be black or navy blue; Handbags or handbag style bags are not permitted.
• Religious headwear should be navy blue or black.
• Plain black belts with small plain buckle.
• Students are not permitted to wear badges or insignia on their uniform unless they have been issued by the school.

During exceptionally warm weather the Headteacher may remove the requirement for students to wear their blazer and their tie and students will be allowed to unfasten their top button. This is referred to as ‘shirt sleeve order’ (SSO). SSO will be decided based on the weather forecast and the decision will be communicated by the Headteacher.

PE Kit

• A navy Ark Alexandra embroidered polo shirt
• Plain navy blue or plain black jogging bottoms. Must be plain, with no stripes, writing, patterns or blocks of colour. A small logo by the pocket is permissible.
• Plain navy blue or black sports shorts. Shorts must be at least mid-thigh length. A small logo is permissible.
• Trainers – These must be suitable for sport. Converse and plimsols are not permitted.
• Socks: Plain white, navy, grey or black trainer socks, white sports socks or navy football socks. No patterned or brightly coloured socks may be worn.
• Optional: A navy embroidered PE sweatshirt
• Skorts, cycling shorts, skorts and leggings are not permitted.
• Students representing the Academy at sports fixtures will be expected to wear navy joggers or shorts (not black).

Footwear

Students must wear closed-toe, hard-soled, all black, plain shoes with a flat sole. Footwear with flashing lights is not appropriate for school. Boots and trainers are not allowed. Where students arrive at school in incorrect footwear, they may be given a pair of school shoes to wear but must not rely on the school to provide items of uniform.

Outdoor clothing

Students should bring appropriate outdoor clothing during cold or wet weather. Outdoor clothing should be worn on top of the academy blazer, not underneath or as an alternative to the blazer. Outdoor coats and scarfs must not be worn at any point whilst inside the school buildings. Hoodies and non-uniform clothing are not allowed.

Hats, headscarves or headwear

Students are allowed to cover their head for religious or cultural reasons in academy colours only (navy blue or black) and without decoration or embellishment.

Make-up

Students are not allowed to wear nail polish, fake eyelashes or false nails. Make-up is not allowed in school at all and will be confiscated if found. Any make-up or nail varnish that is worn will be required to be removed before the student can enter circulation. This includes coloured lip balm. An intervention will be issued accordingly.

Jewellery

Students may not wear any jewellery except for one watch (no sound effects, games or smart watches). Students are allowed to wear one small metal stud in the lobe of each ear. No gems or stones are permitted to be stuck on teeth. Nose rings or other jewellery are not permitted. Non-compliant jewellery will be confiscated and handed back to parents at the end of the week.

Hair

Hair must be the student’s natural colour and without any shaved patterns or lines. Hair extensions are not permitted. All long hair must be tied back with a navy or black band.

Students must bring the following equipment to Ark Alexandra every day.

• Exercise books needed for the day
• Age-appropriate reading book
• Independent Learning Book
• Core Knowledge Booklet
• School Planner
• PE Kit on the days you have PE
• Chromebook
• Clear pencil case with:
  • Two black pens
  • Two green pens
  • A whiteboard pen
  • A white board pen eraser/cloth
  • Two highlighters
  • Two pencils and one pencil sharpener
  • One glue stick and one rubber
  • A 15cm ruler
  • A Casio FX83G

Ark Alexandra Academy Sixth Formers are required to represent the Academy at all times and act as role models to our younger pupils. This includes wearing professional and appropriate dress at all times. A member of the Sixth Form should be able to leave Ark Alexandra Academy and immediately attend a formal interview without having to enhance their appearance in any way. 

The information below outlines the key aspects of our sixth form dress code. These are not exhaustive but the spirit and ethos of our expectations are clear.

Ark Alexandra Academy students must dress professionally at all times. This means they are expected to wear the following: 

• Formal blazer, jumper or cardigan 
• Smart shirt/blouse; polo shirt or smart top
• Smart trousers, chinos, dress or skirt (dress & skirts must be knee length or longer)
• Plain formal shoes

The following items must not be worn when in school:

• Sportswear or hoodies 
• Denim or leather jeans, skirts, trousers or jackets 
• Low-cut tops or those that expose the midriff or shoulders 
• Skirts or dresses that are either too tight or too short to be professional (shorter than knee length) 
• Shorts 
• Casual t-shirts or cardigans/jumpers 
• Trainers or casual shoes (including canvas shoes such as ‘Vans’)

In addition:

• Outdoor coats must not be worn inside the school buildings 
• A single nose stud is the only facial piercing permitted. Other facial piercings and dramatic hair-styles are not permitted

The final opinion of what is deemed appropriate falls with Sixth Form staff. If your attire is not appropriate, you will be asked to adjust your dress or to go home to change.

We ask that all clothing is named, including shoes, so that lost items can be returned to their owner. The school cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage of pupils’ property and valuables. All mislaid items are placed in the lost property box located in the school office. Please ask the school office if you wish to look through this box. We endeavour to return all named property, but give unclaimed lost property to a local children’s charity at the end of term.

Our uniform supplier is SuperStitch86. 

Order

Second-hand items

Any unwanted items of uniform may be given to the school office. We host regular second-hand uniform sales where good quality items can be picked up for low cost.