Barnhill Community High School

School Uniform Guidelines

School Uniform Policy Clarification

Dear Parents and Carers,

RE: School Uniform Policy Clarification

At Barnhill we expect and teach all students to ‘dress for success’ every day. Research-based evidence suggests that students who are smartly dressed will focus longer on difficult tasks, act more maturely in school, take more pride in their work and appearance and therefore, become smarter. If you wish to learn more then this short 2 minute video will explain more (CLICK HERE).

We have the highest expectations of student’s presentation and dress and there will be a renewed focus on adherence to the Uniform Policy in September. Assemblies are held regularly with students to this end and to promote the importance of uniformity of dress for reasons of equity, health and safety. I write to inform and clarify the whole-school uniform policy with parents, before uniform items are replaced or renewed over the summer break.

General Uniform Guidance:

  • Our branded Barnhill uniform can be purchased from Vicky’s Uniform Supplier. Detailed information is available on the school website in the ‘Parents’ section (CLICK HERE)

  • Students are required to wear a blazer and tie at all times while on school premises, including in the corridors. During warmer weather, students may remove their jumpers. Blazers may be taken off with staff permission.
  • Each student must wear the correct colour tie for their year group. Ties can be bought at cost price (£6) through the school via ParentPay. - Students will continue to wear the same tie colours next year, so please ensure these are kept in good condition.
  • The current tie colours are as follows:

Year Group

Tie Colour

Year 7

Gold

Year 8

Purple

Year 9

Blue

Year 10

Red

Year 11

Silver
  • Black and white head coverings, including hijabs and turbans, are permitted to ensure comfort in warmer weather.
  • Girls' black skirts should be knee-length and not tight-fitting. Future changes to black kilts are under discussion; a mannequin is available for viewing in the School Reception.
  • Black trousers must be tailored, not tight-fitting, cropped, or flared. 

Dressing for Colder Weather: 

  • Students should travel in plain, unbranded coats. Upon arrival, coats must be stored in lockers or carried inside the building.
  • Hoodies are not permitted on school grounds at any time, as they are not smart and offer inadequate weather protection. Confiscated hoodies will be held for parental collection. 

Smart Footwear: 

  • Students must wear smart, plain, unbranded black leather shoes at all times.
  • Polishable, unbranded shoes are generally acceptable. Kickers are permitted, though cheaper alternatives are available.
  • Sports brands like Nike, Sketchers, or Converse, even in black, are unacceptable.
  • Avoid relying on supermarket ‘Back To School’ sections, as they often sell black trainers that do not meet our standards. Refer to the following diagram for examples of acceptable and unacceptable footwear.

 

 Mens Slip on Canvas Summer Shoes

Permitted 
Smart, plain, unbranded, black leather shoes

Not Permitted 
White soles, canvas, not polishable

Not Permitted 
Sports branded trainers, wide laces

Not Permitted
Black trainers, wide laces, not polishable

Jewellery, Hair & Nails:

  • One pair of plain metal stud earrings and a watch only

Permitted 
Plain gold or silver stud earrings

Not Permitted 
Diamond stud earrings of any size or shape

Not Permitted 
Multiple piercings and hooped earrings
  • No rings, Nose piercings or bracelets including material ‘friendship’ bracelets, are allowed.
  • One pair of plain metal stud earrings and a watch is acceptable 
  • Religious artefacts are permitted but should be minimal, such as the Sikh Kara.
  • Hair must be of natural colour.
  • Hair and eyelash extensions of any length are not allowed, as they pose potential health and safety risks in PE, Dance, Drama, or Technology classes.
  • Fake nails or nail varnish of any colour are prohibited. Students will not be permitted to attend lessons until nails are made compliant.

Important Request:  We ask parents to label all items of school uniform with your child’s full name.
This includes the back of their tie as these are commonly misplaced, particularly after PE lessons.

Equipment List:

Below is the list of essential equipment for all students. Items will be available for purchase in school at cost price every Tuesday and Thursday. Students are required to have their pencil case and planner on their desk for every lesson.

  • School bag (compulsory for years 7-11)
  • School Planner (provided by the school)
  • 3 black pens (minimum)
  • 2 green pens (minimum)
  • 2 sharpened pencils
  • 1 eraser/rubber
  • 1 pencil sharpener
  • 1 ruler
  • 1 glue stick
  • 1 highlighter pen
  • 1 whiteboard pen
  • 1 scientific calculator (optional)
  • 1 see-through pencil case (mandatory for years 10 and 11)

We deeply appreciate the support of all Barnhill parents and carers. We expect students to arrive ‘dressed for success’ and equipped with all necessary items. Students arriving in non-uniform attire will be assisted in rectifying this, with school-provided items if necessary. If you have any further questions, please contact the appropriate Pastoral Support Manager.

 

Yours Sincerely,  

The Barnhill Behaviour and Attitudes Team