Dear Parents and Carers
As we reach the end of term, I would like to take the opportunity to revisit the uniform expectations.
Uniform is an important part of a school’s identity. It reinforces who we are as a community and helps allow students to feel pride in their school. It also helps prepare students for life after school where many will have to dress smartly for work.
It would be fair to say that, in the last two weeks, we have a number of interpretations of what is and is not acceptable uniform and we believe it is time to clarify our expectations for students and parents.
The uniform policy is available on the website for further reference, but please see the additional guidance below:
Skirts – standard black skirt, pleated with school badge. To be worn no shorter than one inch above the knee.
Socks – black or white.
Shoes – black polishable leather or simulated leather, please see examples below.
No boots, canvas shoes or trainer style shoes are permitted, including branded sports makes including (but not limited to) Nike, Adidas, Reebok, Converse, Stan Smiths and Vans. Please see below examples of prohibited shoes:
Coat – plain (no denim, leather, quilted shirts or hoodies).
Make-up, false eyelashes, nail varnish or jewellery – must not be worn for school. Items of jewellery which are not in line with the policy will be confiscated. If ears are already pierced, only one small, plain gold or silver-coloured stud (no jewels) may be worn in each ear lobe. No other body-piercing is allowed, e.g. nose studs, tongue studs or other ear piercings. All studs should be removed for PE.
Hair – should not be outlandish in style or colour and no brightly-dyed/multi-tonal hair is permitted. Heads must not be shaved – as a guide, a number two cut is the shortest permitted and there should be no tramlines or patterns shaved into hair.
We will be enforcing the uniform policy when we return after Easter with zero tolerance of infringements. On the first day back staff will check the uniform of all students at the gate. Any students not in the correct uniform will get an after school detention. This will continue each day of the first week, for those who turn up in incorrect uniform. We will contact you each day when the uniform is not correct. If students arrive in an incorrect piece of uniform, the following Monday, we will contact you and send them home to get the correct uniform.
The official School Uniform Suppliers are as below. Each of these are continuing with orders via their websites over the remainder of lockdown:
- Whittakers Schoolwear, 106 Deansgate, Bolton, BL1 1BD – Tel 01204 389485
- Smart Clothing, Units 5/6/7, Blackhorse Street, Bolton, BL1 1SY – Tel 01204 392610 https://www.smartschoolwear.co.uk/
- Harrisons Schoolwear, 467A Blackburn Road, Bolton, BL1 8NN Tel – 01204 307382 https://harrisonsschoolwear.square.site/
If you have any questions about the guidance, please do not hesitate to contact school or refer to the uniform policy on the website. If you are unsure whether a piece of uniform is acceptable, please consult the school before buying. If there are any extenuating circumstances, which mean you are unable to meet the uniform requirements by Monday 12th April, please email: office@sharplesschool.co.uk.
We look forward to your support in ensuring all students are treated equally and trust the guidance above makes things much clearer for everyone.
Yours sincerely
Ms A Webster
Headteacher
