Uniform
Uniform
Uniform helps to create a sense of community and equality. To support parents and in line with DfE regulations, Larkmead school uniform now features a minimal number of branding items. We also recognise that some students experience sensory issues. The adaptations aim to make our uniform more affordable and more inclusive.
The school uniform will continue to be stocked by our suppliers, Trutex.
Second hand uniform is available from sales throughout the year, and these sales are published through MCAS. Our second-hand shop relies on generous donations from parents and carers, which can be dropped off at the school reception at any time.
If you claim Free School Meals and are experiencing financial difficulty purchasing school uniform, please contact our Pupil Premium Coordinator via the school office and we will do our best to support you.
Uniform
The policy on trousers is the same for all students; trousers should be plain black, tailored.
Knee-length shorts, which are plain black and tailored, may also be worn.
The school policy on skirts is that they should be black and an appropriate length.
School shirts can be worn by all students all year round if they wish. Shirts should be plain white, long, or short sleeved shirts, with a collar buttoning to the neck and always tucked in. Students must wear the Larkmead tie when wearing a collared shirt to school.
Alternatively, students may prefer to wear the white Larkmead School polo shirt all year round instead of a shirt and tie.
Students can wear the Larkmead cardigan or Larkmead jumper to school over their uniform.
Please note that pupils must wear either a branded polo shirt or shirt and tie when they are not wearing a branded jumper/cardigan (for example during periods of warm weather).
Footwear
Shoes must be plain black and sturdy so that good protection of the foot is guaranteed.
Coats
Students are free to wear any design of coat, but they must be free of potentially offensive or inappropriate words or images on them. Hoods should always be down when in a school building.
Piercings and Jewellery
Students are permitted to wear jewellery to school, within reason, keeping health and safety in the workplace in mind. All piercings must be removable and, to ensure this, only nose and ear piercings are allowed. All jewellery must be removed in PE, Dance and Design and Technology lessons, as it is potentially hazardous. A short period of taping new piercings (up to 6 weeks) may be requested to allow for healing (for a single pair of ear studs or a single nose stud only) with further details here.
Nails
Acrylic, gel or any type of false nails are not appropriate for school and represent a potential health and safety issue. Therefore, they are not permitted in school.
P.E Kit
All students require the following PE kit:
Please note that there is no difference between boys and girls P.E. kit, except the option of a skort. All students wear full uniform until the end of Year 11.
Polo Shirt (black with gold side panels)
Shorts or Skort (black)
Football/Hockey Socks (black)
Sports Trainers
Football Boots (Hockey and Football)
Shin Pads (Hockey and Football)
The following PE Kit is optional:
Tracksuit Bottoms (plain black with no logos)
Hoodie (plain black with no logos)
Sports Leggings (plain black)
Mouth guard (Hockey and Football)
If students wish to wear tracksuit bottoms during the winter terms, they may do so, but they must be plain black. A plain black hoodie may be worn for PE lessons only, but not for rugby.
In line with recommendations from the Rugby Football Union and the Hockey Association, we encourage students to wear a mouth guard when involved in these sports, both in lessons and competitive games. Mouth guards can be purchased from the P.E. Department.
The P.E. staff can answer any other questions about P.E kit. They will also advise as to when football boots and shin pads will be required. In all cases of doubt, please consult the school before purchase.
Naming Clothes
All clothing, including outdoor coats, bags and P.E. kit, must be clearly and permanently named. It is virtually impossible to trace unnamed items.
Non School Uniform Days
arkmead school hold 6 non-school uniform days each academic year. In return for being able to attend school in their own clothes, pupils are requested to make a voluntary online donation via ParentPay. These contributions are used to fund the following events, activities and projects:
• House projects in school
• Environmental projects
• Donations to approved local charities (including Cancer Charities and Helen and Douglas House)
• Donations to the local food bank