Uniform and equipment

Dress code

As with all schools, the academy has a dress code that all students are expected to follow. There is an emphasis on being clean, tidy and presentable. We are preparing students for the professional world of work. Our dress code is practical and allows a choice within very clear boundaries.

Support and second hand uniform

If you require any financial support to purchase the uniform or need access to second hand uniform, please contact the academy who will be able to assist.

Required uniform

• Academy jumper purchased in a colour of the student's choice. This should be worn at all times and can be removed when permission given in a classroom or if the leadership team direct otherwise.
• White shirt which can be purchased from any retailer with the top button always done up.
• Academy House tie (fastened with the knot so it covers the top button)
• Pleated, full length, navy trousers which can be purchased from either our uniform supplier or other retailers such as Tesco, Asda, Marks and Spencer. Please note boys’ and girls’ trousers should be navy and tailored (with a pleat in the middle); jeans/ tracksuits/ leggings/ very flared trousers/ knee length trousers are not considered appropriate uniform. Jeans are defined as trousers with patch pockets and rivets. Trousers must not trail on the floor.
• Socks must be plain navy, grey or black and can be purchased from any retailer.
• Students can either wear the waterproof navy academy coat on their way to and from the academy or a smart, plain, black, grey or navy, sensible coat without a large logo or writing. 
• Shoes must be sensible and entirely plain black and can be purchased from any retailer. All shoes should be flat. Patent leather is permitted. Trainers are not acceptable. Velcro fastening is not appropriate for secondary school. The soles and the upper part of the shoe must be black. There must be no additional design / embellishment in any colour / metal. A functional buckle is permitted. In winter, plain, flat black boots are permitted but trousers must be worn over them.
• If a student is wearing the wrong footwear parents will be called and expected to bring appropriate shoes in. If this is not possible, students must change into academy provided footwear. 
• A plain, small and discrete stud can be worn in each ear. Any other jewellery, including nose studs, more than one earring in each ear, necklaces, rings or bracelets are not allowed. Students will be asked to remove these, they will be put in an envelope and collected at the end of the day from the main reception. A correction will be issued. The only exception to this is where there is a compulsory religious expectation to wear jewellery, for example, the Sikh Kara.
• Nail varnish, false nails or fake eyelashes must not be worn and will need to be removed before a student can take part in daily activities in school. A correction will be issued.
• Eyebrows should be natural with no shavings or modifications.
• Only very discrete make up is permitted and students will be asked to remove any make-up that is not discrete.
• Belts should be plain black and not a fashion statement. They must only be worn functionally and not over jumpers or polo shirts. Fashion belts are not permitted.
• Hats and caps need to be removed before entering the academy.
• On days where the student has PE - they must wear their PE kit (see below).

The items listed above will be worn throughout the academic year.

Optional uniform

• Shalwar or plain navy or black kameez and tunic/blouse with a white shirt and jumper over the top.
• Hijabs, scarves, turbans, crowns and top knots worn for religious reasons, must be plain (with no additional design/embellishment) navy or black and well secured.
• Academy jacket.
• A suitable plain watch.
• In Y9-11 students have the option of wearing a plain navy blue blazer instead of (or as well as) the academy jumper. This can be purchased from the uniform shop and does not have a logo.

Required PE Kit

• The PE kit is purchased from our uniform supplier and includes a quarter zip top and tracksuit bottoms.
• A plain black or navy blue ‘moisture wicking’ sports t-shirt, with no logo, writing or different coloured stitching.
• PE socks can be plain navy or black and purchased from any retailer.
• Trainers suitable for sport which can be purchased from any retailer, this can be in any colour.

The items listed above will be worn throughout the academic year.

Optional PE Kit

• Sports T-shirt in house colour with DTC logo (purchased from uniform shop)
• PE coat purchased from our uniform supplier which is heavily subsidised by the academy. This is the only coat allowed to be worn during PE lessons.
• PE shorts and leggings purchased from our uniform supplier (if worn, these must be worn under the required PE trousers and students are not permitted to walk around school in these)

For further information about the academy’s uniform, please contact the academy to speak with Iram Ellahi, Secondary SENDCo or Abigail Gilbert, Primary SENDCo.

Our uniform supplier is: The School Uniform Shop, 34 Nowell Lane, Leeds, LS9 6JE

Equipment

All students are expected to bring the following items to school each day:

Essential daily items

• Locker key (provided by the academy)
• Planner (provided by the academy)
• DEAR (Drop Everything and Read) book
• Correct exercise books
• Knowledge organiser
• Textbooks (where relevant)

Clear pencil case contents

Students should keep the following items in a clear pencil case (provided by the school):

• 2 black pens
• 2 green pens
• Pencils
• Rubber
• Highlighter
• Ruler
• Protractor
• Scientific calculator (Casio FX-83GTCW recommended)
• Black whiteboard pen (provided)
• Green whiteboard pen (provided)
• Mini whiteboard (provided)

Calculator purchase: Calculators can be purchased through the MCAS app.

Useful resources for home

English

• English dictionary
• Thesaurus

Languages

• French dictionary

We expect students to arrive fully prepared for every lesson. During the first few weeks, parents and carers may wish to help by checking and packing school bags. However, students should quickly learn to:

• Check their timetable each evening
• Pack the correct books and equipment for the next day
• Take responsibility for their own organisation

Over the summer, consider helping your child create an organised study space at home, with clearly labelled shelves or storage areas for books and equipment. Good organisation now will make the transition to secondary school much easier.

Students move between up to six lessons each day, so developing independent organisational skills is essential.