6th March 2025

Parent Letter - Uniform

6th March 2025

 

Dear Parent/Carer,

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to address a growing concern regarding the standard of school uniform. Recently, we have noticed that some students are not adhering to our uniform policy, which is essential for maintaining a sense of equality, discipline, and pride within our school community.

As you know, our uniform is designed to promote inclusivity and minimise distractions, helping students focus on their education. It also enhances school identity and prepares students for environments where professionalism is expected. Unfortunately, deviations from the uniform standard compromise these important NUSA values.

We understand that sometimes ensuring your child has the correct uniform can be challenging. To support this, we have a stock of uniform items available. Students are also able to loan an item of uniform on the condition they leave a deposit, such as a phone, earpods or other personal item. This will ensure that the item of uniform is successfully returned at the end of the school day in exchange for their personal item.

Starting from Monday 10th March 2025, consequences will be put in place for students who do not comply with the uniform policy. These measures are meant to ensure that all students follow the guidelines and uphold the school's values. We kindly ask for your cooperation in ensuring that your child adheres to the uniform requirements.

The details of ‘errors’ in our uniform policy are:

• Blazers which are not worn (or carried)
• Shirts which are not tucked in
• Ties which are not worn
• Missing items of compulsory uniform (Tie, Blazer, White shirt, Trousers/ NUSA skirt, Black shoes)
• Nails which are not of a natural colour or are over 5mm longer than their fingertip
• Hair which is of an un-natural colour
• Skirts which are rolled up or not accompanied by black tights
• Denim jackets or hoodies
• Jewellery which is not a single stud in each ear and a watch
• ‘Leg warmers’ or other knee-high socks

Should students arrive to school from 10th March 2025 with incorrect uniform then the following system will be applied:

Students will be asked to correct their uniform as they enter the main building. This may be a case of putting on their blazer, tucking in their shirt or removing jewellery, for example. Once they comply, they will be allowed to continue with their day. Any further infringement during the day will lead to a 15 minute afterschool detention.

If students do not have the correct uniform, they will continue to be offered the opportunity to borrow the correct uniform from our uniform ‘shop’. If the student complies with this request, then they will be able to continue with their day.

Should a student refuse to borrow an item of uniform, then they can expect to work in our isolation space under the supervision of a senior leader or pastoral staff. Students will remain in this provision until their uniform is corrected. This is also true of uniform errors which are not possible to correct in the moment i.e. hair of an unnatural colour or nails which do not meet safety requirements. Work will be provided for students to complete. This will enable all teachers to focus on their core purpose of delivering outstanding lessons to all students without the distractions of having to tackle uniform issues. Additionally, any students who choose not to attend their afterschool detention, will face an escalated sanction.

I appreciate that for most students, our concerns regarding uniform do not apply, and we thank you for ensuring your child attends NUSA looking smart and proud to be a part of the school community.

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact the school on 0115 929 1492

On a separate note – Please be aware that the weekly head teacher detention on Friday 7th March will now take place on Monday 10th March. This is to accommodate the year 11 progress afternoon.

 

Yours faithfully

Benjamin Hughes

Assistant Headteacher