4th April 2024
Dear Parent/Carer,
RE: New term Summer 2024 – school uniform
First, let me say what a fabulous welcome I have had from everyone this last two weeks, as I start in post as new Vice Principal – Behaviour and Ethos at Erdington Academy. Being new to the staff, it has been lovely to walk around the building and see so many young people really focused, engaged, and excited about their learning. I think a substantial number of students are meeting our expectations day-in, day-out and they should be congratulated for doing so.
The start of a new term is often accompanied with a few niggles to remedy with uniform; shoes not delivered on time, sizes not available and on order, items ‘mysteriously lost’ over the holiday and I am writing to you before we start next week, to give you time to reset.
Information about uniform requirements can be found on the website at: Academy uniform – Erdington Academy but are summarised below for your information.
Pupils should attend school in smart, clean, and tidy uniform, ready for the working environment. Trousers should be worn on the waist; skirts should be the required length (not rolled up at the waist) and shirts tucked into waistbands. Ties should be worn correctly. The school asks for parents’ co-operation in enforcing these requirements.
- Black blazer with Academy logo or Black Blazer with Erdington pocket badge – mandatory branded item
- All students must carry a bag (must be big enough for an A4 folder)
- Tailored black skirt OR tailored black trousers (no lycra/leggings/jeggings/denim)
- White collared shirt
- Tie in House colour – mandatory branded item
- Black plain V-neck pullover or cardigan (previously branded items are acceptable)
- Black shoes; lace up shoes should have black laces only. Shoes should be leather or leather-look, business-like and polishable. Trainers, boots, canvas/fabric, high tops are not Coloured/white logos are not acceptable. Shoes should be completely black. No Nike Air force/max trainers are allowed
- Plain black socks, or plain black or neutral coloured tights
- Narrow black belt with small plain buckle
- Only religious head coverings are allowed
- Headscarves worn for religious purposes must be black
- No acrylic/gel/fake nails are allowed
- No piercings are allowed except a single stud earing in each ear and single stud in nose (clear or natural colour)
- No pouches or hoodies are allowed
- No extreme haircuts/colour or hairstyles- Hair colours/beads must be of a natural colour.
- Smart watches are not allowed
- No baseball caps to be seen on school site
- No sunglasses are allowed
- No face coverings, including balaclavas and snoods
Erdington Academy school Uniform can be purchased from Clive Mark/Crested School Wear. All items of non-badged uniform may be purchased from a supermarket/store of your choice.
Clive Mark – 11-13 Boldmere Rd, Boldmere, Birmingham, Sutton Coldfield B73 5UY
Crested School Wear (Trutex): 71 High St, Birmingham B23 6SA
From Tuesday 9th April, students will be challenged daily about incorrect items of uniform by staff. Uniform infringements will result in a negative record on a student’s Ethos Card. If there are continuing issues related to uniform beyond 12th April, you will be invited into school to discuss how we can help to resolve these problems together.
We know that there will be families dealing with financial difficulties in the current economic climate. We are happy to help anyone who would like discrete support. If you would like to take advantage of this opportunity, please contact the school to discuss this with Mr Jordan or Mrs Rashid confidentially. We will do our best to help.
You will be aware that trainers are not considered shoes. School footwear should be polishable and business-like, meeting the uniform expectations outlined above. Stores will often label footwear ‘school shoes’ as a sales tactic to convince you to buy them, however they don’t refer to schools’ uniform policies and they make no guarantees that these expectations will be met. Shoes must be safe and secure and protect the wearer from any potential hazards they might encounter during the day (science/art/food technology/DT).
In the first instance, please liaise with your child’s Form Tutor with any queries, they will endeavour to respond within 24 hours. Any questions remaining unanswered, can be directed towards a member of the Pastoral Team.
If you have any decent quality items of school-wear that are too small for your child, we would be delighted to receive them in a washed and wearable condition for our pre-loved wardrobe. Please bring/send these items to main reception.
Thank you for your ongoing support. It is always appreciated. We are looking forward to the summer term, with a busy school calendar and lots of things for students to get involved in.
Yours faithfully,
Mrs K Wright
Vice Principal
