School uniform plays an important role in establishing the ethos of a school and is strongly encouraged by the DfE.
The Government, although it has published guidance, has made it clear that it is for the school’s Governing Body to decide whether there should be a uniform and other rules relating to appearance, and if so, what they should be. Therefore this document seeks to clarify the Governors’ expectations at St Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Academy with regard to uniform and appearance.
An actual list of the compulsory and supplementary items pupils are permitted to wear is included. This includes particular items parents can apply to the Headteacher for permission to wear. A judgement will be made with regard to any request based on whether the item is in sympathy with the Christian ethos of the school or any other judgement including health or safety. The Headteacher, in conjunction with Pastoral colleagues, will consider each application and reach a decision as soon as possible but until such time that a decision is made the item should not be worn for school.
Rationale
St Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Academy believes in high standards, high aspirations and the highest expectations in every aspect of its operation.
The school has a strict uniform policy, ensuring that students are fully focused on learning as opposed to fashion. The school is a place of work and pupils are expected to take pride in their appearance. The school uniform provides students with many positive advantages, because uniform:
- Diminishes the social exclusion of students based on what they are wearing
- Reduces family tension as students do not have to compete with their peers for the latest trends in clothes
- Encourages pride in personal appearance and being part of the school community
- Promotes safety, particularly through making it easier to identify strangers
- Most cost effective to parents in the long run
- Makes them ambassadors for the school in the local community
- It protects children from social pressures to dress in a particular way
- It supports discipline and good behaviour