Uniform Policy
The Blandford School is a workplace. Consequently, the dress code must reflect a traditional school working environment rather than recreation and leisure. The Blandford School expects all of our students to always wear our school uniform correctly in school, on school trips when uniform is required and when travelling to and from school. Our uniform represents pride in our community, both in school and in Blandford.
As with all aspects of school, there will be different views among families regarding ‘acceptable’ styles. Our uniform policy makes clear what is considered acceptable by the school, and it is referenced in our home/school partnership agreement. We adhere closely to our uniform expectations for the core reason that it enables every child to attend school in an equal and fair way. By maintaining this expectation we ensure that appearance does not advantage or disadvantage any child based on fashion choice, socio-economic wealth or body shape/ size. We strongly believe that this basic equality is a fundamental right of children in education and that this is vital to a caring and safe learning environment.
We have two uniform suppliers for parents to choose to order from. These are RagTags in Blandford and SWI Schoolwear: https://www.swischoolwear.co.uk/. Some items, such as our grey pleated skirt or tailored trousers can be purchased from other retailers.
We now have a standard plain charcoal grey (sometimes described as steel) coloured pleated skirt which sits 10cm above the middle of the knee. This is available from RagTags and SWI Schoolwear. If purchasing from a different retailer, the item must be the same in colour, length and style.
Plain, un-patterned charcoal grey school trousers, of full ankle length and with zip fastener. Denim/cotton jeans-style, corduroy, leggings or stretch fabric, tight-fitting cuts and logos are unacceptable
Plain charcoal grey tailored school uniform shorts with zip fastener. Uniform trouser material only, No ‘chino’ or sports shorts are allowed.
A maroon/white striped Blandford School shirt or non-revere blouse worn neatly tucked into trousers or skirts and fully buttoned at the collar. A Blandford School tie worn covering the collar button. Underwear should be natural coloured and discreet. No coloured or visible tops must be worn under shirts. These are available from RagTags and SWI Schoolwear.
Our standard tie is available from RagTags and SWI Schoolwear. All students (boys and girls) are required to wear the tie.
A plain black jumper or cardigan with ‘The Blandford School’ logo. Should any additional outdoor clothing be required, this must be in the form of a coat or jacket as non-uniform jumpers, hoodies and sportswear are not allowed. Uniform must always be clearly visible. These are available from RagTags and SWI Schoolwear.
Plain, black, leather-look, low-heeled footwear. No decorative items accepted on the shoes. Boots are only acceptable if worn discreetly and under trousers. Combat boots and steel toe-caps are not accepted. Sandals, soft/canvas shoes, open-backed/toed shoes and shoes with coloured logos or accessories are also unacceptable.
Daps will be issued to students who infringe this rule. Plain white, grey or black socks or plain, un-patterned, black or natural colour tights. Tights or socks, not both.
It is very important that the above items of clothing and the sports kit are labelled.
Should be clean and tidy and of natural colour.
There should be no streaks or extremes of fashion or hair accessories.
Facial hair is not permitted.
Must be plain, black and unobtrusive.
May not be worn as an accessory without outdoor wear.
No hats or caps may be worn in the school building.
Nails should be kept short for safety reasons.
False nails are not acceptable.
Nail varnish must be nude/clear in colour and removed if requested by a member of staff.
This must be discreet, and only one pair of small, plain studs should be worn with a maximum of one earring in the lobe of each ear (no cartilage piercings).
For health and safety reasons, any form of bracelet/charity band, stretcher, nose, facial or body piercing is unacceptable.
Retainers are also unacceptable and will not be allowed. Students who do not comply will be isolated. One discreet ring and one discreet chain necklace may be worn in addition to a suitable watch.
Jewellery must be removed if requested for safety purposes, and always removed for PE. Any jewellery worn in addition to the above will have to be removed and confiscated.
Make-up must be subtle and must be removed if requested by a member of staff. No false eyelashes are permitted.
The Blandford School Uniform
We adhere closely to our uniform expectations for the core reason that it enables every child to attend school in an equal and fair way. By maintaining this expectation we ensure that appearance does not advantage or disadvantage any child based on fashion choice, socio-economic wealth or body shape/ size.
We strongly believe that this basic equality is a fundamental right of children in education and that this is vital to a caring and safe learning environment. For this reason, we will not spend time discussing, negotiating or arguing personal views on uniform with parents. The school believes that our uniform policy and suppliers offer value for money and that the cost of uniform or access to uniform should never be a barrier to a child attending the school. Therefore, the school will ensure the following:
- We expect support from parents and carers with regard to school uniform and student appearance so that our students are a credit to themselves, their families and the school.
- The purpose of our students’ uniform code is to encourage a smart appearance which also promotes a feeling of pride and self-respect.
- All school staff will secure our expectations with all students so that they experience consistency.
- The uniform code is designed to be in keeping with an atmosphere in school which is focused on learning, and it also gives due consideration to the health and safety of our students.
- Students represent the school beyond our school gates and are covered by the Relationships and Behaviour policy travelling to and from school.
- If a student is unable to wear full uniform on a particular day, this must be covered by a note from a parent or carer, and corrected uniform will be expected on the following day. A student may be required to wear uniform temporarily loaned by the school and refusal to do so will be treated as defiance and dealt with accordingly.
- Students not wearing the correct uniform send out a signal to other students that uniform is not important. We may remove from circulation a student who does not comply with our school uniform policy without good reason, as this will be seen as defiance. Alternatively, or in addition, if the school considers that the non-compliance is deliberate, staff will set an appropriate consequence. Instances of uniform infringement will be taken into account when considering suspensions. In addition the law authorises schools to send a student home to correct their uniform.
- Any requests for variation to normal uniform on medical grounds must be supported by medical evidence, such as a doctor’s note.
- No specific requirements of coats or bags other than they are suitable for school and the carrying of books/ kit.
- Students are expected to wear full school uniform throughout the school year and to replace items which are outgrown immediately.
- The suppliers are reviewed annually to ensure that their prices are competitive, and in line with DFE guidance.
- We will tender for our school uniform supplier at least every 5 years with a view to who can deliver the best value for parents.
- We will engage with parents to establish their priorities before future tenders.
Sports Kit
Students and parents are reminded that the PE Faculty runs an ‘Always Kit’ policy, whereby students must always bring their kit to lessons even if they are injured and have an accompanying note. This is part of the Faculty’s Effective Participant Development Plan and any student who does not bring their kit to lessons will receive a concern about organisation in their diary.
Compulsory
- Maroon TBS rugby shirt or Maroon polo shirt with TBS logo
- Black shorts or black netball skort (tight-fitting or lycra shorts are not acceptable)
- Black football socks
- Trainers with non-marking soles
- Football boots (plastic/nylon or moulded studs are the only acceptable type for the synthetic turf pitch (STP). Please note that ‘astro-trainers’ are not suitable for use on the STP)
Optional
- Black TBS PE Hoody or plain black hoody (no logos permitted)
- Plain Black tracksuit bottoms/Plain Black Leggings. These are for PE lessons only.
- Black TBS outdoor Sports Jacket
- Maroon TBS Sports Hoody.
- Maroon TBS Sports Fleece
- Black or Maroon underlayer.
We must also recommend that students wear shin-pads for football and hockey, and gum shields for rugby and hockey.
*There may occasionally be opportunities for students to purchase additional (optional) TBS sportswear for extra-curricular clubs, fixtures or tours. These will be for extra-curricular use only and will not be permitted for use in lessons unless they comply with the PE kit policy outlined above.
Mobile phones must be switched off and in bags at all times. Mobile phones are not allowed to be used or visible anywhere on site (i.e. within the gates opposite the hospital and those to the Milldown) as per our mobile telephone policy.
Bicycle Helmets – These should be worn by students who travel to school by bicycle or scooter for their personal safety.