School Uniform – The Dorcan Academy 2026/27
At The Dorcan Academy the wearing of uniform is integral to our ethos and we expect our students to wear it with pride. Uniform enables all children to experience equity and feel equal with regard to race, creed or economic ability. Trends and fashions which some children may not be able to pursue because of differences in their backgrounds may lead to them feeling isolated and different. We believe our school uniform contributes to students’ educational success by promoting pride, belonging and readiness to learn.
We endeavour for our school uniform to enrich our students by fostering pride, professionalism and a sense of belonging, helping to prepare them for the world of work. Our uniform supplier is Price and Buckland, an on-line company, and all items of uniform can be purchased on-line. Please see the link below to their website and details on how to order uniform.
We do hold ties in stock to ensure prompt replacement if students lose them during the year. Non-logo items such as white shirts and plain black trousers may be purchased at other retailers, however please read our uniform requirements carefully before purchasing these items as some shops may market items as ‘suitable for school’ when they do not adhere to our requirements. This also relates to black shoes which must be a polishable leather-like material that are sturdy enough to withstand the weather and to last.
The link to the new Price and Buckland website is below:
Uniform RoutineWe understand that occasional uniform issues can happen. Where possible, we will always try to support students with temporary uniform items so they can continue their learning with minimal disruption. We ask students to work with us and accept any reasonable support offered to help resolve uniform concerns. By making positive choices about uniform, jewellery and make-up, students demonstrate respect for our community standards and help maintain the pride and sense of belonging that makes The Dorcan Academy such a special place to learn.
Students who refuse to accept the reasonable support offered will follow the behavioural process as they are deliberately defying expectations. Where the school is unable to support students in rectifying the uniform item (e.g. the school does not have the “size” to borrow), then the student will not follow the behavioural process.
Where a student has had an adaptation to their appearance, which is in clear breach of the school uniform, and they are unable to rectify it, this will be deemed to be defiance. Each case will be evaluated by the Deputy Headteacher and suitable inclusive provision will be made. If there is an exceptional circumstance which has led to a student not being in their full school uniform, parents will need to communicate this to the school through the Link Book, in person or via email. We will need to know the items that are non-uniform as well as a date when a replacement is expected to be in place. Keeping the lines of communication open around this issue is always a big help. If there are ever any issues which prevent replacement, parents are asked to contact their child’s Tutor or Progress Leader of House as soon as possible. These will then be need to be agreed via the Director of Key Stage 3 or 4, and / or the Deputy Headteacher.
Uniform
TDA Blazer (compulsory)
TDA Black V-neck jumper (optional) OR a Plain Black V-neck fine knit jumper (optional). No other jumpers, cardigans or tops acceptable.
White shirt/blouse. Top buttons must be always done up. Shirts are expected to be tucked in at all times.
Plain Black school trousers – Formal, tailored full-length trousers only. No denim-like material, jeans or jean style, cargo pants, chinos, leggings or jeggings of any description permitted. Cropped trousers are not allowed. Trousers must be worn at waist height and students should wear a belt if they are unable to wear their trousers at this height ORTDA Tartan skirt – the skirt should touch the top of the knee when standing up (optional)ORBlack tailored shorts
TDA House tie
Black leather-like – polishable footwear. Footwear should be completely black (including soles and laces), leather-like (able to be polished, not canvas), sturdy, fully enclosed and be able to protect from the weather. Logos should not be clearly visible or identifiable.
E.g.If a student wishes to wear: Nike Air Force Ones, these are permissible when polished/clean as the “tick” is not clearly visible or identifiable. The silver tag must also be removed from the laces.Kickers have a small “coloured” tag that is approximately 5mm square on each shoe – this is permissible due to its size, meaning it is not clearly visible initially. Canvas-based sports and/or training shoes are not permitted without medical exception due tohealth and safety reasons.Boots are not permitted due to the significant variations that would breach the school policy. Sensible, low heels only. There is also an email address: uniformenquiries@dorcan.co.uk which is monitored regularly to support parents/carers making the right choice.
Coats and Jackets – Coats should protect students against the elements. No coat or jacket should be worn as an alternative to the blazer. Hoodies, tracksuit tops and denim are not acceptable and, if worn, will be confiscated. Hoods should not be worn up, unless it is raining or extreme weather conditions – this is to ensure students are recognisable and socially interact with others.
Socks and Tights – Dark Grey, Black or White socks. OR: Black- or natural-coloured tights.
Any adaptations to the above for cultural, religious and wellbeing purposes must be confirmed through the Deputy Headteacher. We ask that parents request this adaptation ahead of time to allow our staff to be sensitive to any needs of the students. It must also be safe for these to be worn – or an alternative will be considered.
Miscellaneous
Hats, scarves and gloves may be worn during winter months but must be removed inside buildings.
Hair styles should be smart in appearance and avoid the extremes of fashion, in style and colour: asymmetrical cuts, shaved heads, steps and tramlines are not allowed. No visible unnatural/obvious hair colourants. (Natural is defined as hair colours people are born with). Please ask in advance if unsure using the email address: uniformenquiries@dorcan.co.uk
Make up should be natural and subtle/enhancing. Clearly identifiable false eye lashes, false nails, coloured nail varnish, nail art or tattoos are not allowed.
Students wearing Hydrocolloid Acne Pimple Patches should wear translucent patches only.es, false nails, coloured nail varnish, nail art or tattoos are not allowed.
Jewellery
A watch is useful. Smart watches are not allowed.
No smart wearable (e.g. smart glasses, smart rings, etc.) will be allowed – essentially anything that links to your phone, except for medical purposes, will not be permitted. A medical note should be provided as evidence. This is to support examinationexpectations.
Small plain stud earrings are allowed, one per ear lobe. For health and safety, no hooped or stretchers/expanders are allowed.
A clear nose retainer only – this recognises the advised time for healing, whilst avoiding a “fashion” statement being made.
No other jewellery is permitted, including rings (for safety reasons).
No other facial/tongue piercings should be visible. Apart from a clear nose stud, other clear/plastic bars, retainers or studs are not permissible.
Any piercing for medical reasons must have sought permission from the Deputy Headteacher.
PE Uniform – Boys
TDA Unisex Sports Polo shirt (compulsory)
TDA Reversible Sports shirt (compulsory)
TDA Zip Fleece (optional from September 2026)
Black shorts
Royal blue socks
Trainers
Football Boots (Terms 1, 2, 3 and 4)
Gum Shield (Terms 1 and 2)
Shin Pads (Terms 1, 2, 3 and 4)
PE Uniform – Girls
TDA non-zip girls’ hoodie (compulsory) – From September 2026 this will be replaced withthe TDA Zip Fleece (compulsory)
Plain black tracksuit bottoms (Terms 2 and 3 only at teacher’s discretion)
Leggings – at the teacher’s discretion to support students’ equity in terms of cultural, religious and medical reasons. We ask that parents request this adaptation in advance to allow our staff to be sensitive to students’ needs. It must also be safe to wear these – or an alternative will be considered.
