Uniform and dress code

King Alfred’s Academy Uniform consists of:

• Compulsory navy blazer with KAA badge (available from PMG Schoolwear – contact details below)
• White (long/short) sleeved shirt
• Tailored plain dark grey school trousers or dark grey pleated skirt which must be of an appropriate length – skirts must be longer than the blazer and not rolled up. One simple black belt if needed. (Unacceptable trousers include those wider than shoes, skinny trousers, jeans, chino style trousers and those with large exposed buttons or zips.)  From Term 6 in the academic year, students are allowed to wear smart dark grey tailored shorts.
• Clip on King Alfred’s Academy tie, with House colour embroidered on the logo (also compulsory and available from PMG Schoolwear)
• An optional plain navy V-neck jumper to be worn under the blazer
• Plain black shoes with heels of a suitable height and no coloured markings (no platform heels, sandals, backless or strapless shoes, boots, trainers or canvas pumps).
• Black or grey socks or black or grey plain tights.
• Coats are needed in cold weather. These should be without inappropriate logos and design features and should preferably be dark in colour and plain. Any logo should be small and discreet. Non-uniform hoodies, denim or leather jackets and any other inappropriate or non-weatherproof coats are not permitted.  All outdoor clothing (coats, gloves, scarves, etc.) should be removed on entering the classroom.

The pre-badged blazer and tie are the only compulsory items and they can be bought from the Academy’s uniform supplier, PMG Schoolwear. All other items may be bought from a variety of retail outlets, although PMG Schoolwear can supply approved versions of all the above garments. This is in line with other schools and DfE recommendations.

Please note that failure to comply with King Alfred’s Uniform regulations and Dress Code will result in the student working in isolation under the supervision of a senior member of staff until the situation is resolved.

If in any doubt about any aspect of the dress code, please ask a Student Manager before committing to a purchase or allowing your child to commit to a change in appearance.

King Alfred’s have a small stock of quality second hand uniform available. Any requests for support in obtaining uniform can be made (in confidence), through the Student Manager for your child’s year group.

Financial help may also be available (via the King Alfred’s Education Charity) towards the cost of purchasing uniform. Again any requests can be made (in confidence), through the Student Manager for your child’s year group.

• Years 7-8 are allowed a watch and one small plain stud in each ear lobe only – no other studs are allowed. They are not allowed any other jewellery.
• Years 9-11 are allowed no more than two studs in each ear. They are allowed one ring and one bracelet only.  Necklaces are not allowed. No face or body piercing.
• No make-up should be worn in Years 7 and 8.  Nails should be ‘natural’ i.e. no varnish or acrylics for any student in any year group.  Make-up worn by girls in Year 9 and above should be subtle.  False eyelashes are not allowed.  Students with excessive amounts of make up on will be asked to remove it.
• Hair should be of a sensible length, style and natural colour (at the discretion of the academy). Extremely short razor lines cut into the hair, partially shaved hair, non-natural colours, or excessive hair gel are unacceptable.
• Students need a rucksack style bag large enough to carry A4 books and files.  ‘Just Do It’ bags and drawstring bags are not appropriate. In Year 9 and above suitably large shoulder bags are also acceptable. Handbags and plastic bags are not appropriate.

Indoor Sports Kit - For lessons, electives and fixtures

Boys – navy shorts, plain navy PE top - no hoods, no zips (logo top can be purchased subject to availability), black or grey socks, plain trainers

Girls – navy shorts (that come down to the thigh) or skorts, plain navy PE top - no hoods, no zips (logo top can be purchased subject to availability), black or grey socks, plain trainers

• Plain navy blue (or black) sports leggins
• Plain navy blue (or black) tracksuit bottoms

Outdoor Sports Kit - For lessons, electives and fixtures

• Plain navy blue long sleeved under layer to be worn underneath PE top
• Navy blue/black plain outer garment fleece - no hoods, no zips.
• Plain navy blue (or black) sports leggings
• Plain navy blue (or black) tracksuit bottoms
• Football boots are required for most outdoor activites.  However, we advise that you do not purchase them until your daughter/son is about to begin these activities (PE staff will inform them in advance).

Additional Sports Kit

• For swimming (Year 7 and Year 8 only) all students will require a swimming costume, a towel and a swimming hat. Boys are not allowed to wear long shorts in the pool and girls  must wear a one-piece costume.
• Football boots are required for most outdoor activities. However, we advise that you do not purchase them until your daughter/son is about to begin these activities (PE staff will inform them in advance).  
• Showers after PE are not compulsory as it is assumed that students will shower when they return home in the evening.
• Gum shields
• Shin pads

Optional Items

• Navy blue outer garment with King Alfred’s logo (Unisex Fleece or Unisex Rugby Top)
• Navy blue matching panelled shorts with King Alfred’s logo. A ‘Skort option’ is also available.
• Plain navy blue (or black) tracksuit bottoms
• Plain navy blue (or black) cycling shorts (must come down the thigh)
• Plain navy blue (or black) sports leggings
• Mid-layer with King Alfred’s logo
• Base-layer with “King Alfred’s” vinyl on sleeve
• Navy blue Unisex ‘Drill/Splash’ Jacket with King Alfred’s logo
• Navy blue/black plain outer garment fleece

Health and Safety in PE

• Sports watches: In adherence to our Physical Education (PE) kit policy, students are permitted to wear sports watches, where safe to do so during class to track and monitor their physical activity levels and progress. However, it's important to note that students do so at their own risk, taking responsibility for the care and security of their personal devices.
• As part of our Physical Education (PE) kit policy, students are required to remove all jewellery and securely tie up their hair to ensure safety during physical activities.
• Students must securely cover any permanent jewellery, including bracelets, to ensure safety during active participation in physical activities.

If the weather reaches very extreme high temperatures, then the Headteacher will make the decision to call ‘Summer Order’. This decision will be published within communications with parents.

Summer Order consists of the following uniform:

• Shirt (long or short) sleeved tucked into trousers, shorts or skirt
• Trousers, shorts or Skirt
• Black leather shoes

Blazers and ties will not need to be worn.

If the temperature becomes excessive then the Headteacher will reserve the option to allow students to wear PE kit.

This decision will be published within communications with parents.

Trousers and shorts should be smart and can include denim. Ripped, distressed jeans, sheer leggings, beach style shorts and ‘hot pants’ are not allowed.

Dresses must be of an appropriate lenght including t-shirts, vests and Bardot style tops (worn just off the shoulder). Midriff baring tops, strapless/bandeau tops, boob tubes and Bardot style tops worn low on the shoulder are not allowed.

Appropriate shoes must be worn. Sliders and flip flops are not allowed.