School uniform, equipment and mobile phones

All students who attend the Academy need a school uniform. Wearing a uniform creates a sense of community and we believe that our uniform is both practical and fair.

The Academy uniform

Why have a uniform?

Here at The Academy at Shotton Hall we are proud of the impressive standard of our uniform and have been particularly delighted at the number of comments we have received about how smart students look.

We believe that proper school uniform is important because it:

instils pride in our students and the wider community
encourages identity with, and support for, our school ethos
protects children from social pressures to dress in a particular way
nurtures cohesion and promotes good relations between different groups of pupils
supports effective teaching and learning.

We would like to thank all parents for their help in maintaining the standard and to ask for support in our continued drive for consistency.

Blazers, shirts and jumpers	Plain white school shirt buttoned to the neck with school tie. Blazer (straight or fitted version) with school badge and colour strip (only available from our official supplier Emblematic) - sleeves must not be rolled up. Year 7 students starting in September 2021 will have a YELLOW colour strip on their school badge. Optional black v-neck jumper with the school badge (only available from Emblematic). This should be worn underneath the blazer. It is not compulsory but cannot be used instead of a blazer.
Trousers and skirts	Plain black formal straight cut trousers - not jeans, leggings or stretchy style and no jean-style pockets (Must be at least 6” wide at the bottom). Compulsory style knee-length skirt - available from Emblematic in line with our uniform standards. This skirt is heavily subsidised to support families.
Footwear	Plain black, formal, leather or leather style shoes which can be polished. No trainers, plimsolls, pumps or boots. Socks must be black, grey or white.
Outerwear	Outside coats must be removed before entering classrooms. No caps or hats in the building.
PE kit	Red and black t-shirt- only available from Emblematic. Black shorts/tracksuit bottoms/leggings Trainers must be worn in PE lessons. Plimsolls, Converse, or canvas type shoes are not suitable. Students are advised to wear football boots for football and rugby. Dance is barefoot. Optional, although advised in the colder months, a black jumper or black tracksuit top to wear over the top of their PE t-shirt. Black jumpers with the Academy logo are also available from Emblematic.
Equipment	Most of the equipment you need for school will be provided for you, but there are a few things that everyone needs to bring each day: School bag (big enough to carry a A4 folder/exercise book) Pencil case with a pen, pencil, ruler, rubber, etc PE kit (on PE days) Reading book (issued to you by your teacher)
General appearance	The Academy reserves the right to decide that the cut and colour of a students hairstyle is inappropriate e.g. tramlines, Mohicans or extreme short sides with longer hair on top. Hair should be a natural colour. Students may wear one small, single metal stud in each earlobe - no other piercings are allowed. Visible body piercings are not allowed e.g. nose, top of the ear, tongue. Students will not be allowed to cover piercings with an Elastoplast. Parents are advised that if a child is to have a piercing it must take place at the start of the six weeks holiday and it must be removed on the first day of term. No necklaces, bracelets or rings. No false, gel or acrylic nails - natural coloured nail varnish only. For health and safety reasons, nails need to be of a sensible length for work. Large fashion belts are not acceptable or part of the school uniform in all subjects. No false eyelashes or eyelash extensions. No make-up except in Years 10 and 11 where discreet, natural make-up can be worn. Hair bands should be thin and not overly decorative e.g. no large flowers. No tattoos.

Any students whose appearance or uniform does not match the standards described in this leaflet will be sent to the pastoral office. They will also be given a blue uniform slip to be displayed in their top blazer pocket to ensure all staff are aware the student has been spoken with and repeated offences will result in sanctions.

Uniform downloads

Useful Links

emblematic.co.uk

Mobile phone use in the Academy

The use of mobile phones in schools is a privilege not a right. We reserve the right to revoke this privilege at any time if you do not follow the rules relating to responsible mobile phone use:

No phones to be used in class without permission from a member of staff
No photographs or recordings of teachers or students to be taken without their permission
You may not post or publish pictures, videos or audio recordings taken in school digitally, this means on social media or any other online sites.
Any inappropriate image will be confiscated and may be kept as evidence
Any inappropriate images, comments or campaigns on social media will be subject to school sanctions. Activities which may take place out of school, but have consequences back in school, will be dealt via the school’s published sanction system if appropriate/when necessary.
Finally: Arguments, repeat offences or defiance in relation to mobile phone/internet use will be subject to our usual school sanctions and the device will be confiscated and will only be released when collected by parents.