Uniform and Equipment

We believe that our school uniform plays a significant role in fostering a sense of community, equity and ambition through our PRIDE values among our students.

Here are a few reasons why we encourage all students to adhere to the uniform policy:

1. Promotes a sense of belonging: School uniforms create a sense of unity and pride among students, helping them feel connected to one another and to the whole school community. Wearing the uniform is a daily reminder that we are all part of the same team.
2. Fosters equality: Uniforms help eliminate visible economic disparities that can sometimes lead to peer pressure or exclusion. All students, regardless of their background or financial situation, are treated equally and fairly when it comes to dress.
3. Encourages personal responsibility: Wearing a uniform teaches students to take pride in their appearance and maintain high standards of personal responsibility. It also makes mornings easier for families, with fewer decisions to make when getting ready for school.
4. Safety and identification: School uniforms also help staff quickly identify students, contributing to a safer and more organised environment.

We expect students to wear the correct school uniform while travelling to and from school. If you child does forget a piece of uniform, e.g. their tie, or if they are wearing incorrect uniform, they should go straight to our uniform booth in the atrium when they arrive in school to borrow a replacement.

Our uniform supplier is Monkhouse: http://www.monkhouse.com.

Winterbourne Academy Uniform

*Students can choose between a skirt or trouser option.

To view our uniform policy please click here.

Pre-loved uniform                                                                                    

Winterbourne Academy PTA frequently run pre-loved uniform sales offering good quality, used school uniform at very reasonable prices. Contact the PTA (WApta.org@gmail.com) for more details on their next sale or check out our social media pages where dates are advertised.

Funding                                                                                         

If your child is in receipt of free school meals or you are in receipt of Working Tax Credit or Universal Credit and the household income is less than £16,190.00, please complete an application form, available on our Finance & Payments page. 

Why do we have a uniform policy?

It is important that the standard of uniform reflects a pride and sense of belonging in our school and presents our students in the best possible light to visitors and the wider community. It contributes to our ethos and sets an appropriate tone, supporting positive behaviour and discipline. It also supports you all in learning how to dress appropriately for your future employment and education. It makes sure that no one feels “different” – we are all part of the same community.

Equipment

We have high expectations about students being ready and prepared for their learning through having the correct stationery and writing materials to support them in class and at home.

Students should be equipped with a pencil case containing the following basic equipment:

• Black or blue pen
• Purple pen
• Pencil
• Whiteboard marker/pen
• Ruler
• Eraser
• Highlighters 
• Glue stick
• Scientific calculator

Appearance

• Jewellery: One pair of small discreet studs worn in the lower lobe of the ear only (not the upper ear or tragus) and one watch worn on the wrist. Facial or tongue piercings are not permitted (clear nose piercings are permitted).
• Hair to be of a natural colour and extreme styles are not permitted.
• Long hair must be tied securely in practical lessons to avoid being caught in equipment, and in PE lessons
• Minimal make-up can be worn but must be discreet. False eyelashes are not permitted
• Nails to be neat and short. Nail extensions and nail varnish are not permitted
• Chewing gum is banned from the Academy site.

Outdoor clothing

We ask that items of outdoor clothing (e.g. coats, scarves) are removed inside the buildings.

Phones, headphones and electronic devices

In order to focus on teaching and learning, we aim to minimise distractions in lessons.

We ask that students keep phones, headphones and any kind of electronic device switched off and stored in their bags or lockers throughout the school day. Your support with this is appreciated. Students found with any of these devices during the school day will have the equipment confiscated and placed in Reception. They will be able to reclaim their effects at the end of the school day, which will have been stored securely in labelled envelopes for ease of identification. Refusal to surrender a confiscated device will result in further sanctions.

Water bottles

Students are permitted to fill water bottles during break and lunch times only. There are sufficient water dispensers to allow this to happen and would be grateful of your support in encouraging your child to follow these guidelines.