25th October 2024

(Upated Version)

Dear Parents/Carers

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to address a growing concern regarding the standard of school uniform. Recently, we have noticed that some students are not adhering to our uniform policy, which is essential for maintaining a sense of equality, discipline, and pride within our school community.

As you know, our uniform is designed to promote inclusivity and minimise distractions, helping students focus on their education. It also enhances school identity and prepares students for environments where professionalism is expected. Unfortunately, deviations from the uniform standard compromise these important Team Rushden values.

Additionally, when students do not follow the uniform policy, it creates unnecessary disruptions to teaching and learning. Teachers and staff are required to address these issues throughout the day, which diverts attention away from instructional time and can affect the learning environment for all students. We want to maintain a focus on education enabling students to aspire, explore, and succeed. Ensuring all students follow the uniform guidelines is an important part of achieving this goal.

We understand that sometimes ensuring your child has the correct uniform can be challenging. To support you, we can offer assistance through uniform subsidies for families in need, and we also have a stock of second-hand uniforms available. Students are also able to loan an item of uniform on the condition they leave a deposit, such as a phone, earpods or other personal item. This will ensure that the item of uniform is successfully returned at the end of the school day. Please feel free to reach out to the school office if you require any support in obtaining the correct uniform for your child.

Starting from Monday 11th November 2024, consequences will be put in place for students who do not comply with the uniform policy. These measures are meant to ensure that all students follow the guidelines and uphold the school's values. We kindly ask for your cooperation in ensuring that your child adheres to the uniform requirements.

The details of our student uniform policy are:

• School blazer
• School tie
• White shirt
• Black tailored trousers or school skirt (worn at the correct length, i.e. not turned up)
• Black ‘polishable’ footwear
• Coats must be waterproof and padded

Students are NOT permitted to wear:

• Hoodies of any sort (including, half, full or quarter zips). 
• Sports tops, or tracksuit tops
• Leggings or any skin-tight trousers
• Nose rings
• Jackets underneath their blazers
• Fluffy socks
• Canvas footwear

The advice I would give you for determining if an item is going to be classified as leggings is that if the material is stretchy and/or skin tight, then they are not acceptable. We appreciate that some shops advertise ‘school trousers’ when they are in fact leggings. Please check this carefully when purchasing any new items of clothing.

Should students arrive to school from 11th November 2024 with incorrect uniform then the following system will be applied:

• Students will be asked to correct their uniform at the school gates. This may be a case of putting on their blazer, or removing a nose ring, for example. Once they comply they will be allowed to continue with their day. Any further infringement during the day will lead to a detention and (where applicable) having the item (such as a hoodie) confiscated, in line with our behaviour policy.
• If students do not have the correct uniform, they will be offered the opportunity to borrow the correct uniform from our pastoral provision. If the student complies with this request then they will be able to continue with their day.
• Should a student refuse to borrow an item of uniform, then they can expect to work in our reception building, under the supervision of a senior leader. Students will remain in this provision until their uniform is corrected. Work will be provided for students to complete. This will enable all teachers to focus on their core purpose of delivering outstanding lessons to all students without the distractions of having to tackle uniform issues. 

By providing you with advance notice of this initiative, we hope that there will be isolated issues with the student's uniform when we return to school after the half term. Students have the opportunity to have any nose rings professionally removed over the half term, and these can be replaced with a nose stud. The additional week following the half term has been provided so any parents/carers who are concerned about this initiative, or require support, can contact the school to arrange any support that is required.

We are aware of individuals who may not be able to wear specific clothing due to medical or SEND needs, and we will continue to support these individuals as part of our reasonable adjustments, where medical evidence has been provided, or is mentioned as part of any Education Health Care Plan. Where we do not have any medical evidence, I urge you to ensure that the school receives a copy prior to the 11th November 2024 so that any reasonable adjustments can be applied and your child is not unfairly sanctioned.

I appreciate that for most students, our concerns regarding uniform do not apply, and we thank you for ensuring your child attends Rushden Academy looking smart and proud to be a part of Team Rushden. 

Thank you again for your continued support in fostering a positive and professional environment for our students.

Yours faithfully

Jonathan Firth

Principal