Student Uniform from September 2025
Uniform Expectations – From September 2025
At Bradford Forster Academy, we believe that a consistent and smart uniform supports a positive learning environment and reflects our values of equality, discipline, and pride in our school community.
Change to In-House Sales: We have begun to sell our logo uniform items directly to parents. This means that all logoed items will be available for purchase directly via ParentPay.
Non-Logo Items: Non-logo uniform items may continue to be purchased from the existing uniform shops – or other outlets you see fit to use.
We have taken on board views of parents and students and as a direct result made the decision to keep the existing PE kit for years 8-11 until September 2026 or stock runs out. New year 7 students will have new PE kit available to purchase from Price & Buckland. Our Year 10 into 11 students will also keep their current pale blue tie.
The key reasons for these changes are:
- To provide more cost-effective options for parents
- To ensure consistent quality and supply of uniform items
- To strengthen the school’s identity and promote a sense of unity.
We believe that these changes will be beneficial for our students and families by making the uniform more affordable, ensuring a higher quality, and making the purchasing process more straightforward.
Compulsory Uniform Items
- Sweater: All students must wear a black sweater embroidered with the school logo. Available via ParentPay.
- Tie: A year-specific school tie is compulsory and must be worn correctly at all times. Available via ParentPay.
- Shirts/Blouses: Must be plain white and tucked in.
- Trousers: Must be plain black, with no denim or fashion elements. Leggings, flares, and jersey fabric trousers are not permitted.
- Footwear: Must be plain black shoes or trainers with no visible branding.
Hair and Accessories
- Hair accessories and headscarves must be black.
- No other head coverings are permitted, including durags (do-rags).
- Hair should be of a natural colour with no extreme haircuts.
Jewellery and Piercings
- Only a wristwatch and one pair of small plain gold or silver studs (one per ear in the lower lobe) are permitted.
- Looped earrings, facial piercings, and body piercings are not allowed.
- Costume jewellery is not permitted.
Makeup and Grooming
- Makeup should be minimal and natural.
- Fake eyelashes and false nails are not allowed in the academy.
PE Kit
- The current PE kit will remain unchanged for Years 8–11 until September 2026 (or until stock runs out). Available via ParentPay.
Equipment
- School bag
- Planner
- 2 black pens
- 2 purple pens
- Highlighter pen (yellow)
- PE Kit on the days they have PE
Uniform items with the logo on will be available for purchase via ParentPay on our website and can be collected from school at designated collection times. We have a selection of sweaters in various sizes in school for students to try on prior to purchasing.
Why These Changes Matter
We understand that changes to uniform policies may require adjustments for families. These updates are designed to:
- Promote Equality: Reducing pressure on students regarding fashion choices.
- Enhance School Identity: Fostering a stronger sense of belonging and pride.
- Improve Discipline: Creating a more structured and respectful atmosphere.
- Prepare for the Future: Instilling habits of smart presentation relevant for future careers.
We appreciate your cooperation and support in upholding these expectations. We are confident that these changes will benefit all members of our school community.
