Uniform and equipment

All pupils must dress according to our Uniform Policy, which reflects our values and reinforces our school’s culture of high expectations and academic achievement.

Our school uniform is important to us because it is one way in which we identify ourselves as a school family and it promotes a strong, cohesive school identity which supports high standards and expectations in all areas of school life.

Compulsory items

• A black blazer with purple braiding, embroidered with the school badge.
• Plain black shoes with flat heels. Boots, plimsolls, suede or canvas shoes are not permitted. Shoes should be appropriate for School use. This rules out raised heels, casual and fashion shoes. There should be no coloured logos on shoes or other coloured markings. All shoe soles must be black.
• Plain black v-neck jumper embroidered with the school badge. Hoodies are not permitted and will be confiscated. The round neck PE jumper will not be acceptable from September 2024. 
• The school tie.
• A plain white school shirt with either long or short sleeves.
• Black trousers (should not be skinny, tight fitting or of canvas like material) or black pleated skirt without school logo. (Skirt must not be pencil fitting or made from stretched cotton)
• Black or dark grey socks or black tights.
• Black backpack or portfolio bag. 
• Plain black or Navy coat. Any logo must be small and in the same colour as the coat.

Sports kit 

• Black and purple PE top with school logo.
• Plain black shorts.
• Plain black tracksuit bottoms.
• Black sweatshirt – either plain or with school logo.
• Sports shoes – Trainers of any colour (non-marking soles).
• Swimwear – plain swim shorts (boys) or plain one-piece swimming costume (girls). A plain black t-shirt may be worn over the top of swimwear if required.
• Optional Swim/PE bag with school logo

We expect all students to have the following:

• An school bag which can hold A4 books/folders.
• A pencil case containing at least 2 black, 2 Green pens, 2 x pencils, a highlighter pen, a ruler, an eraser and other basic stationery.
• A mathematics equipment pack including scientific calculator, protractor and pair of compasses.

We ask that all clothing is named, including shoes, so that lost items can be returned to their owner. The school cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage of pupils’ property and valuables. All mislaid items are placed in the lost property box located in the school office. Please ask the school office if you wish to look through this box. We endeavour to return all named property, but give unclaimed lost property to a local children’s charity at the end of term.

Ark Charter Academy uniform is supplied by a company called Brigade. All uniform with Charter  branding needs to be purchased online direct from Brigade. 

Items you will need to purchase are:

• Blazer
• Tie
• Skirt
• PE shirt
• School bag

and, if you wish to, a PE bag, sweatshirt, or storm jacket.

Other items of uniform - white school shirts, black trousers, for example, are available from many local retailers.

The deadline for ordering uniform ready for the start of the Autumn term in September is 26th July 2024.
At other times you will usually need to allow up to 14 days for delivery.

Order

Second-hand items

Any unwanted items of uniform may be given to the school office. We host regular second-hand uniform sales where good quality items can be picked up for low cost.

• ​Coats must be removed prior to entry into a classroom.
• Hats must be removed prior to entry into any building.
• Students must always wear their blazer. Class teachers may allow removal of blazers within the classroom. In exceptional conditions the Principal will authorize students to remove their blazers throughout the day.
• Every parent/carer has a responsibility to ensure that their child has a full Academy uniform and wears it correctly each day. This includes being aware of the need to replace items that are becoming worn out.
• Every member of staff has a responsibility to check students’ uniforms. In the case of an infringement, staff must ensure that it is that it is rectified and that an Academy detention is issued and that prohibited items are confiscated and given to the HOY.

Jewellery, nails and makeup

• Students are allowed to wear a wrist watch
• One small metal stud in each ear. No diamond style ear studs are allowed.
• No facial or body piercings are permitted, nor are piercings covered by a plaster due to health and safety.
• No bracelets
• No rings
• No false nails or coloured nail varnish.
• Makeup worn must be subtle and suited to a work environment.
• No false eyelashes that are longer than natural eyelashes.

Hair

• Hair (including hair extensions) must be of a student’s natural hair colour (no red, blue, orange, purple, pink, etc) and appropriate style (No tramlines, mohicans, extreme shaving or styling of hair or eyebrow designs etc.).
• Long hair must be tied back for practical lessons. Hair decorations should be small and plain black with no patterned headbands or bandannas allowed.
• Students are permitted to cover their head for religious or cultural reasons. Headscarves, turbans etc. must be plain black, white or grey.