The boiler issue has been rectified.  The Academy will be open as normal from Tuesday 19 March 2024.

Academy uniform

The Academy

We recognise that the majority of students arrive at school looking smart and wearing the correct uniform. We will be introducing weekly EPraise points to reward these students.

However, we also have to recognise that for some, standards have slipped. We therefore politely request that families review their child’s uniform. Where
possible, if a student is found to be missing or wearing inappropriate uniform they will be offered the opportunity to borrow a piece of uniform for the day.
This uniform may be pre-loved but will be appropriate and clean. Should a student refuse this uniform, a sanction will be applied, and of course, families will be informed.

Uniform Expectations

Compulsory items:

  • Blazer with Academy badge attached on the left-hand breast panel.
  • Academy tie.
  • White blouse or shirt.
  • Black skirts should be pleated all the way round and knee length – full pleat or sewn-down pleat. No other style of black skirt is acceptable.
  • Plain black trousers which should be a tailored fit. No jogging bottoms or jeans.
  • Plain black leather or leather-look shoes; no trainers, pumps or canvas styled shoes.
  • Students should bring a sensible school bag with the correct equipment needed for the day.
  • Suitable outdoor coat.


Optional items:

  • Plain black jumper can be worn under the blazer, no logos.
  • Salwar Kameez and headscarves may be worn and should be plain black; students are still required to wear the Academy blazer, white shirt and tie.

Trainers should not be worn around the Academy (apart from during Physical Education lessons and at break or lunchtime if taking part in sporting activities). Before students return to lesson they must put their shoes back on.

For Health and Safety reasons, we also ask students to observe these rules:

  • One pair of earrings may be worn but should not be excessively large. If the Academy considers that a student’s earrings present a Health and Safety risk, the student will be required to remove them.
  • No earrings should be worn in PE lessons.
  • One nose stud may be worn. Multiple studs and nose rings are not allowed. Nose stud must be removed for PE lessons.
  • No other facial piercings.


Prohibited items:

  • Hats and caps are not allowed to be worn at any time.
  • No sport jackets.
  • Nail extensions, false nails and/or brightly coloured nail varnish.
  • No extreme haircuts (e.g. bright unnatural colours, patterns in hair, hair shaved grade 1 or below).
  • Make-up if worn must be discrete.
 

We believe that these clear guidelines will enable all students to be in the correct uniform.

If there is a uniform issue at any time during the year, please ensure that your child brings a note (to their Form Teacher) to explain the problem. The note should also explain when you expect the problem to be resolved.

Uniform supplier

  • The school tie and badge (to be attached to blazer) are purchased directly from school with payment via ParentPay.
  • PE Kit – supplied by The Sports Shop – Kingswinford, 790 High St, Kingswinford, West Midlands, DY6 8AA. Tel: 01384 295941

Second-hand uniform

Families are encouraged to donate clean items of all uniform that are in good condition, particularly ties and blazers. Any donations should be taken to reception. 

The PTFA promote opportunities for families to come into school and take home any item of “Preloved uniform”.  

You can also contact the PTFA via their Facebook page to make a uniform request.  Any funds raised will be donated to the PTFA.

PE Kit – supplied by The Sports Shop – Kingswinford, 790 High St, Kingswinford, West Midlands, DY6 8AA. Tel: 01384 295941

Thorns PE kit includes:

  • Thorns Collegiate Academy Black Hoodie
  • Thorns Collegiate Academy Black T-Shirt
  • One from: – Thorns Collegiate Academy Black shorts
    – Thorns Collegiate Academy Black Leggings*
    – Thorns Collegiate Academy Black Skirt
    – Thorns Collegiate Academy Black Tracksuit Bottoms*
  • Plain black football socks, no show socks are also acceptable in the Summer term
  • Suitable trainers (not school shoes)
  • No jewellery can be worn at all, this includes earrings, nose rings, watches, rings etc.

*The leggings and tracksuit bottoms cannot be used for fixtures when representing the school.

Compulsory Equipment

All students must carry an appropriate school bag large enough to hold exercise books, a folder, a student planner and a well-equipped pencil case. (Student planner to be provided)

A pencil case with the following:

  • Black and blue pens
  • Green pen (for responding to teacher feedback)
  • Pencils
  • Ruler
  • Rubber
  • Pencil sharpener
  • Scientific calculator
  • Mathematics geometry set (pair of compasses, protractor)


Desirable Equipment

  • Pencil crayons or felt pens
  • Highlighter pens
  • Folder with dividers
  • French or German dictionary (when allocated either French or German lessons)

Heads of Year are the first point of contact for pastoral issues, and if financial support or wider support is required.