School Uniform
Back to LEO Policies & StatementsSchool Uniform within LEO Academy Trust Schools
A Policy Statement
Statement for Equality
Under the Equality Act 2010 we have a duty not to discriminate against people on the basis of their age, disability, gender, gender identity, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation.
It is important that pupils in LEO Academy Trust schools feel a sense of belonging and community through a smart and practical uniform. We believe a uniform allows all pupils, regardless of background, to feel equal to their peers and confident in their appearance. We also believe it is important for activities to be facilitated by specialised and appropriate clothing such as sports-specific attire.
Furthermore, we are committed to promoting equality and value for money, and to ensuring that no pupil is unfairly discriminated against.
In this context, we make all reasonable endeavours to support the Department for Education’s non statutory guidance (published November 2021) advising on access to, requirements for, and the costs associated with, school uniform. The Guidance can be found here:
Our schools, of differing characters and compositions, are all “uniformed” schools. Each school, through its leaders and governing bodies, sets expectations and articulates what items are and are not acceptable. They also, through their procedures – including behaviour policies and disciplinary policies – outline the measures to be taken should pupils not meet those expectations. The Trust supports our schools in this also.
To support our children and their families, our schools:
Endeavour to keep uniform costs reasonable by not insisting on unnecessary items, avoiding frequent changes and providing “lead in” time where possible, and through working (again where possible) with a range of suppliers to offer competitive price points for families. Further information can be found on this approach here:
Specifically, our schools look to minimise a reliance on ‘branded’ items (although recognising the value that is derived from a sense of pride in the school, and making its pupils clearly identifiable to their communities).
Our schools support families wishing to access second-hand garments as cheaper and more environmentally-sustainable alternatives to new purchases.
Schools seek to ensure inclusion through stipulating any and all uniform items as being acceptable to any and all pupils of the appropriate age in the school.
Specific school uniform information is published on each school’s own website, with this Trust-wide Policy Statement appended to it. Please consult with the school website for further information on uniform requirements, the management of non-compliance and the management of complaints.