Uniform & Equipment

Years 7 - 11

At Heathcote School we believe that school uniform plays a crucial role in creating an inclusive community, providing a school identity and demonstrating equality amongst pupils.

Pupils are expected to wear school uniform at all times and a high standard of dress is required both within the school and when representing the school in the community. Choosing this school means that your support our uniform code and we will ensure pupils are dressed properly each day. This may mean confiscating items and/or lending clean school uniform which will need to be worn. We will not engage in conversations about ‘what has uniform got to do with learning?’; it has everything to do with the ethos and high expectations of the school and we expect pupils to wear it with pride.

Whilst this list below is not definitive or exhaustive, pupils are expected to be appropriately and respectfully dressed for school. The emphasis is on formal dress. Final decisions regarding the appropriate nature of uniform choice rests with the Headteacher.

Although we do not have full details of the new school uniform law, passed on 29th April, our uniform policy is already designed to be affordable and all items can be purchased from a variety of shops, including supermarkets. We are also hoping to build a second-hand uniform supply for parents/carers to purchase in the future. The PE kit and blazer/badge are the only items that are Heathcote branded and should be bought from Speedstitch (or the badge purchased via Parent Mail and sewn on to a plain black blazer).

All pupils must wear at all times:
  • A black blazer with a Heathcote Badge (sewn or ironed on if bought separately)
  • Plain white school shirt with collar, tucked in (any clothing worn under shirts must be white)
  • A school tie * (with year group colours), with 5 bars of the stripe showing.
  • Black school style trousers (not tight fitting), knee length skirt or full length skirt. These must be school style, ie. pleated, a-line or kilt and not any type of stretchy or pencil skirt.
  • Black leather or leather look school shoes with a shoe sole (no canvas or labels)

For clarity the following shoes are acceptable but this is not a school recommendation:

    1. Leather Nike Air Forces (not high tops)
    2. Leather Kickers
  • White or black, ankle / knee length socks or tights.

 

Year group tie colours 2022/2023

Pupils to keep ties for their time at Heathcote.

 

Year
7
8
9
10
11

Colour

Green

Black

White

Yellow

Red

 

 

 Optional

  • School style black V- necked jumper.
  • Muslim girls may wear a plain black hijab. For other pupils. all hair accessories should be plain white or black.
  • Sikh boys may wear traditional turbans.

Please Note

  • Belts, hair bands and other accessories (including hair accessories) must be plain and in school colours (blue, black or white).
  • Boots may be worn to school in bad weather but must be changed for school shoes on arrival at school.
  • Waterproof coats and hats should be worn to and from school during colder and wetter months and should be plain coloured and sensible. Pupils should have an umbrella. Hoodies are a banned item and not suitable as a coat - these will be confiscated.
  • On the rare occasions that pupils may come to school in PE kit, they must wear a blazer over this.
  • Hairstyles should be suitably professional. Significant hair colouring or shaving of hair into patterns is not permitted. We have adopted the Halo Code as a trial for this year, please find further details below.
  • Light make-up is permitted. Nail polish and acrylic nails are not permitted.
  • One discreet item of jewellery per pupil may be worn i.e. 1 small pair of plain gold, silver or diamante stud earrings. Earrings must only be worn in the ear lobe.
  • No other piercing is permitted.
  • Watches are encouraged.
  • A large formal style school bag is compulsory ( big enough to carry A4 books)

 

PE kit

The Heathcote School PE kit ensures all pupils look smart and are dressed appropriately for their PE lessons, extra-curricular clubs and sporting fixtures.

The compulsory PE kit is:

  • Navy blue sports socks
  • Heathcote PE shorts
  • Heathcote PE Polo shirt
  • Heathcote PE tracksuit top or Heathcote PE Jumper
  • PE bag
  • Sports Trainers

Optional items:

  • Heathcote PE tracksuit bottoms
  • Navy blue leggings
  • Navy blue base layers (strongly recommended for winter months)
  • Studded boots should be worn when playing football or rugby on the school's grass areas to stop pupils from slipping. Your PE teacher will advise when, and if, football boots will be required.

 

Drama kit
  • Drama socks with a gripped sole.

 

Our school uniform suppliers are Speedstitch (Address: Speedstitch, Unit 32, Walthamstow Business Centre, Clifford Road, Walthamstow, E17 4SX, 020 8531 4446 – Opening times 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday). All information regarding prices and stock can be found on the website. You are able to purchase all of the school uniform from Speedstitch, but you may prefer to buy some items from other suppliers (such as supermarkets or school supplier of your choice). In 2021, only new Year 7 pupils need to purchase a tie. If pupils in any year lose their ties or need a replacement, these can be obtained from the school office or Speedstitch. Badges can be purchased from school or ready-sewn onto the blazer if you purchase this item from Speedstitch.

 

 

Uniform Combined 2021

 

The Halo Code at Heathcote School

Our school champions the right of staff and pupils to embrace all Afro-hairstyles. We acknowledge that Afro-textured hair is an important part of our Black staff and pupils’ racial, ethnic, cultural and religious identities, and requires specific styling for hair health and maintenance.

We welcome Afro-textured hair worn in all styles including, but not limited to, afros, locs, twists, braids, cornrows, fades, hair straightened through the application of heat or chemicals, weaves, wigs and headscarves, as long as they are in line with school colours and hair colour guidance.

At this school, we recognise and celebrate our staff and pupils identities. We are a community built on an ethos of equality and respect where hair texture has no bearing on anyone’s ability to succeed or look professional.

 

Equipment List

It is essential that you come to school each day fully prepared for every lesson with all necessary equipment, including any additional equipment or clothing required for specialised lessons (a PE kit, for example).

You are expected to have with you at all times:

 

A proper school bag containing:

  • Pencil case - to include;

Pens (at least 3 blue or black writing pens and a green pen)

Pencils

Ruler

Rubber

Sharpener

Coloured pencils or felt tip pens

Protractor

  • A scientific calculator
  • Exercise books and folders
  • Text books
  • PE Kit and drama socks (on appropriate days)
  • A reading book suitable to your reading level
  • Bottle of water

All belongings must be clearly labelled with your NAME (especially uniform and outdoor coats). Each evening when you have completed your homework, check your timetable to make sure you have the right books and equipment for the next day. Pack all of your belongings into your school bag.

 

This list is subject to review at a later date by the Leadership Team.

 

Banned Items

As we are a caring school, there are certain items that we do not allow onto the school premises for Health and Safety reasons and/or because valuable teaching time can be lost when items are misplaced.

We request that parents/carers ensure that the following items are NOT brought into school under any circumstances. We therefore do not accept responsibility for any missing or stolen items that are listed below. Confiscated food and drink will be disposed of. 

Pupils will be sanctioned for bringing these items into school and likely to have them confiscated at the very least. We operate a Red/Yellow bag policy for confiscated items.

  • Mobile phones

Pupils are permitted to use their phone ONLY in the School Office in an emergency.

  • Music devices and earphones
  • Large amounts of money (no more than £10 is permitted)
  • Expensive ICT devices
  • Electronic equipment including portable games consoles
  • Cigarettes, E-cigarettes, lighters and matches
  • Stink bombs
  • Lasers of any description
  • Chewing gum and bubblegum
  • Energy drinks, sweets and chocolates
  • Knives, screwdrivers, tools or other items that may cause harm
  • Hair comb pick
  • Metal pin tail comb
  • Caps and compasses

 

Prohibited items

 

  • Weapons - or any object that could be used with the intention of harming another.
  • Alcohol
  • Drugs or drug paraphernalia
  • Fireworks
  • Cigarettes or smoking materials (eg. e-cigarettes, lighters)
  • Stink or water bombs
  • Aerosols
  • Stolen items
  • Pornographic images

 

In addition pupils are NOT ALLOWED to

  • Wear excessive jewellery or body piercings
  • Buy from or sell to other pupils
  • Lend or borrow money
  • Play penny up

 

These rules apply when pupils are on the school premises or travelling to or from school. This list is NOT exhaustive and is subject to change by the Leadership Team.

 

Any changes or amendments will be given to parents in writing. 

 

Sixth Form

Click here for details of the Sixth Form Dress Code.