Uniform
We are committed to fostering a culture of high expectation, equity and pride in our academy. We believe that school uniform supports a sense of belonging and a positive learning environment.
Our approach follows Department of Education guidance and is designed to be fair, inclusive and affordable. We respect religious, cultural, medical and disability related needs, and reasonable adjustments will always be considered.
Equally, we value the support of parents and carers in ensuring that pupils arrive appropriately dressed and ready to learn each day.
Uniform changes from the start of the 2026/2027 academic year
After a full review and careful consideration, we are delighted to advise that we will be making the following changes to our uniform policy.
- Students will be able to wear either a Holgate‑branded blazer or a Holgate‑branded jumper
Please note that our uniform policy will continue to include the Holgate tie as a compulsory item.
PE uniform changes
- Compulsory Holgate‑branded PE T‑shirt to replace the current PE polo shirt
- Optional but recommended Holgate-branded mid‑layer sports top
Uniform supplier
We are also pleased to advise that our uniform supplier has changed to Schoolwear Solutions.
Items can be purchased with immediate effect from their website using the following link: https://www.schoolwearsolutions.com/
While the above items can be purchased and worn with immediate effect, we understand and appreciate the need for a transition period. Therefore, these uniform policy changes will not come into effect until the start of the September 2026/2027 academic year. Students may continue to wear previously purchased Holgate-branded blazers, jumpers, and PE polo shirts in the 2026/2027 academic year. Please also note that plain black jumpers will not form part of the new uniform policy.
Current uniform policy
- Blazer: Grey blazer with The Holgate Academy badge should be worn to school daily.
- Trousers: These are to be formal black bootleg or straight leg.
Please note that Schoolwear Solutions is our recommended supplier of all uniform including trousers.
The following styles are not permitted:
• Leggings
• Jeggings
• Jeans
• Cropped trousers
• Additional zips or other embellishments. - Black shorts – Students may wear black tailored school shorts.
The following types of shorts are not permitted:
– Sports shorts
– Cycling shorts
– Jean shorts
– Chino shorts
– Cargo shorts (with side pockets)
The academy reserves the right to determine the appropriateness of shorts worn.
- Black skirt (should be of a formal style). Additional zips or other embellishments are not permitted. Please note: the academy has the discretion to determine whether a skirt is too short for a formal, educational setting.
- White shirt (plain white shirt with a formal collar should be worn. All shirts should be able to fasten the top button. V-necked blouses are not acceptable. No coloured T shirts should be worn underneath the white shirt or be visible at the neck and waist).
- Holgate tie – a clip on school tie should be worn correctly up to the top button and under the collar.
- School jumper (optional) – a plain black jumper with the school badge. Students can also wear a plain black V-neck jumper rather than the branded jumper.
- The Holgate Academy leavers hoodies: Year 11 students ONLY are permitted to wear the official The Holgate Academy leavers’ hoodie in replacement of the academy blazer on return from the academy’s Easter break.
- Footwear – plain black formal shoes that are fully polishable should be worn daily. Shoes should have no coloured logos, patterns or coloured laces. Toeless, backless, trainers, canvas or mesh footwear, fashion boots, high heels or plimsolls are not acceptable.
- Plain black socks or tights should be worn.
- Coats – suitable outdoor coats will be required. Sports tops, hoodies, track suit tops or cardigans are not acceptable within the academy.
- Head scarf – The Holgate Academy respects the right of students to wear a head scarf on religious grounds. However, in keeping with a uniform code, we restrict the colours to black, grey or white. The scarf must be of a single colour: no logos or patterns.
Students who present in items that are deemed to be not part of the uniform code will be sent to student services. If students do not meet our uniform requirements, items will be loaned until the end of the academy day. Parent/carers may be contacted to request that the correct item is brought to the academy. Students will be expected to borrow items from student services whilst the situation is resolved to minimise missed learning. Failure to comply will result in placement in isolation and other sanctions as deemed necessary.
