William Howard School's uniform policy

  • Border
Uniform is at the centre of the debate. Credit: ITV Border

A row over uniform has broken out at William Howard School in Brampton.

On the first day of term, the school says 80 pupils were excluded from lessons because they hadn't followed the uniform rules.

But many parents and pupils have contacted ITV Border to say the number of pupils excluded was in the hundreds.

So, what are the rules?

  • Sweater - a WHS v-neck sweater or jumper must be worn throughout the day unless a member of staff says so. The appropriate house badge must be attached

  • Shirt/blouse - a plain white shirt must be worn with a WHS clip-on tie. Shirts/blouses should be ‘proper’ shirts with collars and cuffs, and long enough to be tucked in. Short sleeve shirts are acceptable, but rolled up sleeves are not. No bare skin should show between trousers/skirts and shirts, and the top button of the shirt should be fastened. School polo shirts can be worn during the summer term.

  • Trousers/skirts - black or dark grey school trousers, or a traditional school skirt, must be worn. Trousers need to be full length and not rolled up at the ankle. Leggings of any type are not acceptable. Skirts can be worn, but must be knee length. They must be standard school style such as A-line or all-round box pleated skirts. Trousers for girls should be proper school trousers. The width of the trouser leg must remain the same from the upper thigh to ankle; therefore trousers which have a tapered leg which reduces in width at the ankle are not permitted. Other styles such a stretch/bootleg/hipster/casual linen/leggings/ponte/skinnies are not allowed either. Trousers/skirts must not have any showy/decorative zips.

  • Shoes - should be plain black. No coloured logos or coloured stitching, trim or soles. Girl’s shoes must be black, flat or with broad heels and should be full shoes – not sandals or backless or of a trainer/canvas style. Any request to wear trainers should be supported by medical evidence - a note from home does not suffice. Shoes should be polishable.

  • Socks/tights - plain black, white, grey or navy socks or plain neutral/black tights, other colours are not allowed. No patterned, striped or frill/ruffle top socks are allowed. Socks need to cover the ankle and overlap with the bottom of the trouser leg. No trainer liners.

  • Hair and make-up - excessive make-up is not acceptable. Any make-up (including nail varnish) must be subtle and practically imperceptible. Extreme hairstyles and colours such as shaven heads, tramlines and patterns are not allowed. Hair accessories should be subtle (e.g. for tying back long hair for health and safety reasons). Bright hair accessories are not acceptable. Tattoos are illegal for children of school age.

What other things are permitted?

  • Thin black belt

  • 1 set of earrings/studs

  • 1 ring

  • 1 watch

  • Necklace/bracelet for religious or medical reasons

The guidance also notes that the final decision on what is acceptable, and the interpretation of the rules, rests with the school.