School uniform standards and expectations serve as a unifying framework, fostering a sense of equality and high standards among students while promoting a focused and conducive learning atmosphere.
Leigh Academy Minster students are required to adhere to strict uniform standards at all times across all year groups, including Post 16. Failure to follow these standards will result in students sanctioned as per the academy’s Behaviour for Learning Policy.
Our school uniform consists of specific items that are required for all students as well as optional items, which are non-mandatory pieces that may be worn by choice.
The academy uniform is as follows:
Required Academy Uniform
The academy uniform is as follows for Students in Year 7- 11:
Required uniform:
- Leigh Academy Minster Blazer (a compulsory item that must be purchased from the academy supplier, Brigade)
- Leigh Academy Minster College Tie (a compulsory item that must be purchased from the academy supplier, Brigade)
- Plain white shirt or blouse* (to be purchased from either the academy supplier, Brigade, or any other retailer)
- Charcoal Grey Smart School Trousers or Flat Top Wide Box Pleasted Skirt (to be purchased from either the academy supplier, Brigade, or any other retailer)
- Plain Black Socks or Tights (to be purchased from either the academy supplier, Brigade, or any other retailer)
- Plain Black Leather School Shoes**
- A4 Black Rucksack (to be purchased from either the academy supplier, Brigade, or any other retailer)
*If a student wears a blouse they are not required to wear a tie.
** Please see specific shoe expectations on the separate tab
Optional school uniform:
- Plain Black or Navy coat
Students in Years 7 – 11 are permitted to wear a wrist watch and have one set of piercings in the lower ear lobe with a small single stud. All jewellery is required to be removed for PE lessons.
Students are not permitted to have slits/cuts in their eyebrows, or wear make-up, fake tan, false eyelashes or wear acrylic, false or painted nails. If a student attends the academy with these items, they will be asked to remove them before attending lessons.
Students are prohibited from wearing tight fitting trousers, leggings, trainers or bringing in jumpers or hoodies. Students are not permitted to use handbags or shoulder bags as their school bag. Prohibited items will be confiscated if seen.
PE Kit
Our school uniform consists of specific items that are required for all students as well as optional items, which are non-mandatory pieces that may be worn by choice.
The academy PE kit is as follows for Students in Year 7- 11:
Required PE kit:
- Leigh Academy Minster Polo shirt with logo (a compulsory item that must be purchased from the academy supplier, Brigade)
- Leigh Academy Minster tracksuit jacket with logo (a compulsory item that must be purchased from the academy supplier, Brigade)
- Leigh Academy Minster PE shorts OR Plain Black or Navy Tracksuit Bottoms (to be purchased from either the academy supplier, Brigade, or any other retailer)
- Trainers (to be purchased from any retailer)
Post 16 uniform
Our school uniform consists of specific items that are required for all students as well as optional items, which are non-mandatory pieces that may be worn by choice.
Students may choose from the following:
- Formal business suit
- Professional jacket
- Professional trousers
- Professional knee/ankle-length skirt
- Professional knee/ankle-length dress
- Smart plain jumper
- Smart plain cardigan
- Smart collared shirt
- Smart blouse or similar top
- Tie*
- Bow tie*
- Formal shoes
*Please note that a tie or bow tie is compulsory for students who identify as male.
Optional School uniform:
- One pair of small stud earrings
- One small nose piercing
- One ring
- One wristwatch (please note smartwatches are not permitted in exams)
- Painted nails
School Shoes Expectations
Please see the guide below for the suitable and unsuitable shoes, as well as local providers of these.
School Skirt Expectations
Please see the guide below for the suitable and unsuitable skirts.
Frequently Asked Questions about uniform
To help make things as clear and straightforward as possible, we’ve put together answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about our uniform policy. We hope this guide will be a helpful resource.
The uniform list states a black rucksack. Is a small, plain logo on it acceptable?
Yes. We understand that it is difficult to find a completely plain rucksack, so students are able to wear a black rucksack with a small, plain logo on it. As a guide, the academy defines a ‘small logo’ as no larger than 5 cm.
My child has a black or navy blue coat with a small logo on it. Is this OK?
Yes, students are permitted to wear a coat with a single, small logo on it. As a guide, the academy defines a ‘small logo’ as no larger than 5 cm.
How can I check if the school shoes I have are correct?
We have provided a school shoe visual guide for families on our website.
I have found identical school trousers or school skirts at another retailer. Is it OK to purchase these from other stores?
Yes. We have deliberately designed our uniform to ensure it replicates a number of items found in high-street retailers. Any items not bought from our uniform supplier must be identical to the items that the inform outfitter supplies.
My child has a nose piercing and/or an upper ear piercing. Can they wear a clear piercing?
No. Students are only permitted to have one piercing in each lower earlobe. All other piercings must be removed prior to a student attending the academy each day.
Does my daughter have to wear a tie if she wants to wear a blouse?
No. All female students have the option of wearing a shirt and tie, or a blouse without a tie. All student blazers have their college logo on them to ensure we are able to identify their college.
What socks can my child wear for PE?
Students are permitted to wear any plain black, navy blue, or white socks for PE. The length of these socks is their personal choice (e.g. football socks are permitted).
Can my daughter wear sports leggings for PE?
Yes. Female students are permitted to wear plain black or navy blue sports leggings for PE. The academy defines sports leggings as those from sportswear brands such as Nike, Adidas, etc. Leggings must be plain or have a small logo as per our bag and coat policy. As a guide, the academy defines a ‘small logo’ as no larger than 5 cm.
If it’s warm, does my child still have to wear a blazer?
Yes. All students must wear their blazers around the academy; however, they are permitted to remove them in lessons and at break and lunchtimes.
Equipment Expectations
All students are required to attend the academy each day with:
- An A4 rucksack
- A fully charged Chromebook
- Black or blue pen
- Pencil
- Ruler
All specialist equipment, including maths sets and calculators, with be provided by class teachers during the lesson.