The Week Ahead Updates and Communication for Parents

Dear Parents and Carers,

In the next few weeks you will be receiving a uniform survey as we update our policy in line with new guidelines for all schools. You will also be receiving an updated mobile phone policy. 

At BCS, our uniform signifies that we are all on the same team, it fosters a sense of belonging, and ensures that every student walks through our gates as an equal.

Until we complete the review, we want  to clarify our expectations regarding mobile phones and uniform standards for the weeks ahead.

Mobile Phones

I have a high value on relationships, and face-to-face connection. This is one of the bedrocks of BCS. To ensure students are fully present and focused, we have a mobile-free environment. Our preference is that students do not bring phones to school at all, but if they must, the following rules apply:

• Mobile phones must be switched off and placed in bags from the moment students enter the school site until after they have left the premises.
• Please ensure your child understands that phones should not be used on the road immediately outside the school gates; they should remain in bags until students are well clear of the school site.

This rule applies to everyone in school, across all phases of learning and also to teachers whilst in lessons 

Uniform Expectations

Every student should arrive at school looking smart, clean, and ready to learn. Staff have been asked to be vigilant and consistent in checking that students are wearing their uniform correctly next week. 

Specifically, please ensure your child adheres to the following standards:

Jewellery: To maintain a smart, safe, and professional appearance, only one pair of stud earrings is permitted. No other jewellery should be worn.

Make-up: Middle School: No make-up or nail varnish/ gel is permitted, and students will be asked to remove it.

Year 9 & Above: Make-up must be discreet and natural only. No false eyelashes.

Inclusion 

We know that our community is diverse. We appreciate that some students have sensory needs or require reasonable adjustments. Staff are aware of these individual cases and will continue to support them; however, for the vast majority of students, we expect them to be in the correct uniform.

Please Label Everything

Part of looking after our community is looking after our belongings. We are currently collecting a growing pile of unlabelled jumpers. Please, please label all clothing that your child may take off during the day so we can return lost items to their rightful owners. It is a lot easier when they have names in, and the smell test isn’t always accurate!

Upcoming Review

We value the voice of our families and plan to conduct a uniform review during the next half term. However, it is worth noting that in our last consultation, 95% of parents voted to maintain the status quo. (A smaller percentage of students agreed, as expected)  

We ask that the current standards are followed until any potential changes are formally agreed.

Thank you for your partnership in helping us keep BCS students  smart, focused, and proud to be part of our community.