Student Uniform Code
In order to provide a clear identity and a business-like approach within the Academy, there will be STRICT dress and appearance regulations for ALL. We believe that high standards of personal appearance equate to high standards in all other matters. Appropriate action will be taken to ensure that, in the interests of all students, these standards are maintained.
Appropriate safety clothing will be provided, when required, for work in laboratories and workshops.
When attending the Academy at any time, students must adhere to the Academy dress-code, unless otherwise specified.
DENIM, irrespective of colour, (including jackets to and from Academy) MUST NOT BE WORN.
Sportswear, jersey, lycra etc must be worn for SPORTING ACTIVITIES ONLY.
All students are required to wear their sweater and tie at all times when present in Academy (in lessons and during Tutor Time. The sweater may be removed at the discretion of the teacher).
The expectation is that all students should be smart in their appearance, with ties worn properly, shirts fastened at the neck and tucked into the waistband of trousers.
The Principal reserves the right to send students who are inappropriately dressed to seclusion, or in extreme cases, request that they be sent home.
We advise that all items of clothing must be clearly marked with the student’s name.
In all matters, appearance must be reasonable. Make-up may be worn discreetly but should not be excessive. The wearing of false nails/acrylics and false eyelashes is prohibited for they are not appropriate in the school working environment and can pose a risk for students undertaking practical work in many subjects.
Hair accessories and headscarves must be black. No other head coverings are permitted including caps and durags (do-rags). Hair – if longer than shoulder length – should be tied back when appropriate, and hairstyles should not be extreme (no patterns or unnatural colours).
Where a student or family requests adjustments are made to the normal school uniform policy on the grounds of any protected characteristic, these requests will be considered on a case by case basis taking into account all relevant guidance and legislation. Students should not wear uniform outside of the normal policy prior to any request being made, considered and responded to.
Uniform & Equipment
Uniform
- Black sweater with BFA logo
- Year specific tie
- White shirt/blouse
- Black trousers
- Black socks
- Leggings, or jersey trousers, including flares should not be worn
The school considers government guidance when deciding on requirements and cost of the uniform.
All uniform can be purchased from our school via ParentPay – click here to visit our uniform shop.
Students are allowed to wear plain black trainers or plain black shoes; footwear must be entirely black with no other colour at all. This is in response to feedback from students and their parents and carers. The following types of footwear are not allowed:
- Crocs – even if they are plain black
- White or coloured trainers
- Trainers with white soles
- Trainers with coloured logos or laces.
- Boots of any kind (unless surgical/for medical reasons)
- Sandals or backless shoes
If you choose to send your child into school with trainers, please be aware that they will be wearing these in all lessons including practical lessons such as art. School accepts no responsibility for damage to footwear. We recommend that shoes are sensible and reasonably priced. If you still wish to purchase more expensive, branded trainers, please refer to the images provided to ensure you do not pay for trainers that will not be accepted by school.
The Academy may provide appropriate footwear for students to wear if rules are breached.
Students should only have natural hair colour and no extreme haircuts.
Other than a wristwatch, no costume jewellery may be worn. Students with pierced ears may wear one pair of small plain gold or silver studs (one stud per ear in the lower lobe, looped earrings are not allowed).
No facial or body piercings are acceptable.
Make up should be minimal and natural, fake eyelashes & false nails are not allowed in the academy.
Decisions on all of the above are at the discretion of the Principal and other senior staff
Students must attend PE lessons with kit and get changed into it, even if not participating, so they can remain with their group for safeguarding reasons and have dry uniform to change into if caught in poor weather during lessons. We expect all students to change so that they are also to take on other learning roles within lesson.
The uniform which is to be worn and acceptable for PE lessons include:
For years 8-11 until September 2026
- BFA T-shirt – Compulsory – bought from school
- BFA Quarter zip jumper – Compulsory – bought from school
- BFA Shorts/skort – Compulsory – bought from school
- BFA Slim fit joggers – Optional – bought from school
The BFA PE kit is available from the school website until stock runs out.
For new year 7 students
- Black BFA polo-shirt – Compulsory
- Black BFA Quarter zip jumper – Compulsory
- Black Shorts/skort – can be from any supplier
- Black joggers/leggings – can be from any supplier
All P.E. kit and towels should be clearly marked with the student’s name.
P.E. kit should be brought to the Academy on the day of use, and taken home and washed at the end of the same day.
Showers: Academy provides shower facilities. Should students wish to shower following PE sessions, they must bring in a towel.
Students bringing personal sports equipment (such as tennis rackets) can be looked after by P.E. staff but should be clearly named.
N.B. Students will work barefoot for gymnastics and dance activities.
All students who take part in the PE extension or enrichment programmes must bring their PE kit; any additional items will be provided by the Academy.
IN ALL ACADEMY MATTERS DRESS MUST BE REASONABLE AND SMART IN APPEARANCE
Equipment
Students are expected to bring the following to school:
A pencil case containing:
- A school bag
- 2 black pens
- 2 purple pens
- Highlighter pen (yellow)
- PE Kit on the days they have PE
