Uniform

We take our pupils appearance extremely seriously and place great importance on the impact that being smart has on their learning and mindset and will ensure that all pupils are meeting this high standard at all times whilst in school.  For that reason: 

School uniform must be worn correctly at all times.  All clothing should be clean, smart and marked with the student’s name. 

Uniform 

• Navy blue blazer with school badge embroidered on it or plain navy blue blazer with school badge sewn onto the breast pocket. Blazers are to be worn by all students for the entire school year unless a specific statement is made by the Headteacher. 
• Trousers, dark, charcoal grey for KS3, and Black for KS4. Belts must be plain black leather or leather-look with a discreet buckle. Tight or elasticated/stretch fit or fashion style trousers such as denim jeans, jean style trousers, narrow fitted trousers or cords are not acceptable. External jeans-style pockets on the rear of the trousers are considered informal and not acceptable. Zips/studs are not permitted on trousers. 
• KS3 - navy blue skirt in the approved design– skirts must be worn to at least knee length.  
• KS4 – blue tartan skirt in the approve design – skirts must be worn to at least knee length. 

         or  

• Charcoal grey tailored trousers for KS3/Black for KS4. Belts must be plain black leather or leather-look with a discreet buckle. Tight or elasticated/stretch fit or fashion style trousers such as denim jeans, jean style trousers, narrow fitted trousers or cords are not acceptable. External jeans-style pockets on the rear of the trousers are considered informal and not acceptable. Zips/studs are not permitted on trousers. 
• White shirt with collar long or short sleeved with school tie.  
• School tie with BCHS badge . Purchase from school uniform supplier only 
• Cardigan (optional) – navy blue button through with or without school badge embroidered. 
• Jumper (optional) - navy blue with or without school badge embroidered.  
• Sleeveless pullover (optional) – navy blue with or without school badge embroidered.  
• Socks – Plain black or navy without coloured bands. Socks are not to come above knee height. White, patterned or coloured socks or logos of any description are not permitted. Socks must not be worn above the knee. Similarly, low-cut, no-show or liner socks are not appropriate school wear. 
• Tights – Plain black, navy or natural.  
• Shoes - sensible, sturdy black shoes. Heels should be no higher than 3 cm, and boots or trainers are not allowed. 
• Outdoor coats - plain navy or black without coloured flashes or slogans.  
• Hats & Scarves - plain navy or black without coloured flashes or slogans. 
• No Denim or Leather coats 

Pupils should be smart at all times. Top buttons must be done up. The shirt should be neatly tucked into the pupils skirt or trousers. Shoes should be safe and appropriate for school. 

Jewellery 

One small sleeper or stud may be worn in the lobe of each ear. No other jewellery or visible body piercing is acceptable.   

Ear piercing  

A new piercing takes approximately six weeks to fully heal and therefore a new ear piercing should be carried out at the start of the summer holidays to ensure the studs can be removed during term time. Any piercing and stud that does not conform to school rules will have to be removed regardless of when the piercing took place. 

Nose piercings are not allowed. 

Hairstyles 

Extremes of hairstyle are not acceptable at BCHS. Minimum length is razor setting No. 2. “Tramlines” shaved into the hairstyle are not permitted. Any dyes must be of a natural colour. 

Hair accessories must be plain black or navy blue only.  

We are proud to be a school that has committed to and signed up as a supporter of the Halo Code. The Halo Code aims to eliminate hair discrimination, particularly against Black individuals, by ensuring that natural hair and protective styles are accepted. Their website can be found here: Halo Collective | End Hair Discrimination and our school page on the Halo Code can be found here: The Halo Code - Brentwood County High School

Make up/ Eyelashes/ Nails 

No obvious make up should be worn, and eyelashes must be natural without extensions or fake strips. Nails must be natural. Nail varnish or false nails are NOT accepted.  

PE kit 

• Non-marking Sports trainers that offer ankle support / studded football boots  
• White tennis socks / BCHS football socks  
• BCHS branded Shorts  
• BCHS Navy branded leggings  
• BCHS Navy branded tracksuit bottoms  
• BCHS branded PE top  
• BCHS branded 1/4 zip jumper  
• BCHS branded rugby shirt  
• Hair to be tied back  
• No jewellery to be worn  

Sixth Form Dress Code

The expectations and standards for our Sixth Form can be found here: Dress Code - Brentwood County High School

Sanctions 

Pupils not in full school uniform will be removed from circulation at break and lunchtime. 

Sanctions including detentions or time out from lessons may be used if the uniform code is consistently violated. 

We will provide uniform, including shoes, for pupils to wear if missing an item.  Refusal to wear our uniform will result in a sanction. 

Frequently asked questions: 

Appearance doesn’t affect learning, why are you doing this? 

We disagree with this statement. Dressing formally is part of a learning process in readiness for adult life which is why we have a dress code for staff. Regardless of which career or pathway our children chose, they will benefit from understanding that formal environments require a different standard of dress than informal environments. School is a formal environment. Our collective experience of working in many different schools and over many years, has demonstrated that poor academic outcomes generally go hand in hand with a wider culture of low expectations and poor conduct. We do not think this is good enough for our children. 

What will happen if my child refuses to follow the school’s expectations? 

We will contact you so that you can put in place the required support from home. In school, choosing not to follow our simple guidelines regarding uniform and hairstyle will initially result in the loss of social time for the student. Year Teams will decide upon further action if the matter cannot be rectified in the short term. You will be informed of the concern and of the action being taken. Should there be continued refusal to meet our expectations, sanctions will be put in place. 

There are other students in the school with extreme hairstyles/uniform issues, what is happening to them? 

We try hard to be consistent in our approach but there will always be occasions when issues are not immediately brought to our attention. Simply because a student has not yet been challenged, does not mean an item of fashionwear or a particular hairstyle has become acceptable. 

What do I do if I don’t agree with your policy on hair styles or fashionwear? 

We would hope that by choosing Brentwood County High School to educate your children, you will have already considered this prior to enrolment. However, if you feel the application of our policy in individual circumstances has been unfair or unreasonable, then you can write to the Headteacher/or Governing Board asking for a meeting. We have set out our expectations clearly. We feel they are reasonable and have communicated them clearly to all parents. We believe our approach is in the interest of the whole school, the wider community and that students will profit by them in the long term.