Supplement to the Biddenham Upper School Uniform Code
This supplement aims to explain the code in more detail for students or parents/carers who seek greater clarification.
• In all cases, uniform carrying school logos or badges should be of standard colour and issue, and purchased from recognised suppliers.
• By ‘clean and smart' we mean that uniform should be regularly washed, ironed, in good order (not holed or frayed) and not stained or marked, etc.
• By ‘worn in a traditional way' we mean that shirt buttons should be done up to the top; ties should be worn done up to the neck and down to the waist; shirts should be tucked in; shoes should be clean and well maintained.
• By ‘adornments and non-school logos' we mean studs, chains, picture and text logos and slogans, etc.
• By ‘extremes of fashion' we mean styles of clothing, footwear, hair and make-up that in the view of the Headteacher are not in keeping with the ethos and values of the school and the idea of a traditional school uniform.
• There are no conditions under which it is acceptable to wear boots or trainers in school (other than for PE activities).
• By ‘optional V neck sweater' we mean that it is not compulsory, but if a sweater is to be worn it must be of the school design; it should not be worn as a substitute for a school blazer and should therefore be worn ‘with' rather than ‘instead' of one. (PE and sports tops are not to be worn instead of regulation school sweaters)
• As a guideline, skirts should be a ‘maximum 2”/5cm above knee' when measured from the ground to the hem in a kneeling position.
• By ‘shirt and tie or hejab' we mean that girls who wear a kamiz and ‘fixed' hejab need not wear a shirt and tie; if however, it is removed at school then a shirt and tie should be worn.
• By non-marking trainers we mean sports footwear that does not leave black scuff marks on gym and sports hall floors.
• By ‘astro turf boots and studded boots' we mean specially ribbed boots for use on an all weather playing surface (Astroturf) or football/rugby boots.
• By ‘outdoor coats should be plain and dark in colour' we mean to exclude denim and leather, and garments carrying logos or badges other than the school badge; the coat should be big enough to be worn to school over the blazer rather than instead of it, and should not be worn in classrooms or the dining room.
• By scarves and hats ‘should be plain and dark in colour' we mean to exclude baseball caps and football scarves.
• Other body piercings are not permitted on health and safety grounds. If they were bumped in a busy and compact school environment they could cause serious tissue damage and scarring (however, students with piercings will be permitted to wear a small sleeper device). Tattoos that are visible above uniform (school and PE) are not permitted.
• Makeup: by natural we mean no heavy foundation, eye makeup or lip colour.
• Interpretation of all aspects of the Uniform Code rests with the Headteacher and his decision is final.
• ‘Endorsed by the Governors' means that this document has been considered both in a full Governors' meeting and a Governors' committee, where student representatives were present on both occasions.
Students, parents or carers who seek further clarification on these maters should not hesitate to contact the Headteacher.
M G BERRILL September 2004
