King Edward VI Five Ways School
Scotland Lane, Bartley Green,
Birmingham, B32 4BT
Tel: 0121 475 3535
Uniform
We believe that a school uniform for students in Years 7-11, and a dress code for students in the sixth form help to promote a good working environment and instils a sense of pride and belonging in our school. Our uniform expectations ensure that clothing is suitable, affordable and practical. Five Ways students are expected to wear their uniform when travelling to and from school, and at all times during the school day.
Overview
1. Aims
Our uniform policy aims to:
- Encourage students to take pride in their school.
- Promote a positive learning environment.
- Encourage a sense of belonging.
- Promote an inclusive setting for all of our students.
- Support for our families with the affordability of our uniform.
- Ensure the integration of students from different social, religious and ethnic groups.
2. Rationale
We believe that a school uniform for students in Years 7-11 and a dress code for students in the sixth form help to promote a good working environment and instils a sense of pride in our School. Our uniform expectations ensure that clothing is suitable, comfortable, affordable and practical; in 2021, the Government announced all schools must ensure that uniform is affordable and where necessary make adjustments. We have also ensure that where possible, our uniform is gender neutral in keeping with the Equalities Act 2010. Five Ways students are expected to wear their uniform when travelling to and from school and at all times during the school day.
The development of this policy recognises our entire student body and allows for adjustments to be made on the basis of religious observance and/or need. Our policy aims to be inclusive for all our students and genders. The Headmaster can approve requests for uniform adjustments.
The decision to have a branded blazer as an essential items allows us to retain our grammar school heritage. We ensure our uniform is appropriate and items worn show respect for our school values and ethos. Tailored items should be loose fitting and appropriate to our diverse school body, and all those students with protected characteristics.
Separate requirements for PE and practical subjects also make up the school’s uniform policy.
Enforcing the uniform policy is the responsibility of KEFW staff and refusal to adhere to the expectations will be sanctioned according to our Behaviour Policy. To ensure our uniform remains affordable, we can assist with the supply of second-hand school uniform to support parents with costs.
Years 7 – 11
Compulsory uniform for all students in Years 7 – 11
Available from school suppliers:
- Black blazer with the KEFW school badge
- School tie with house stripe
Available from school suppliers or a supermarket alternative of the same colour, standard and design:
- Grey V-neck school jumper (supermarket alternatives must be the same grey as the KEFW version)
- White shirt with standard collar
- Black tailored trousers/Grey pleated skirt, knee length (no higher than 2 inches above the knee)
- Black or grey socks; Black tights (please ensure they are of high denier and free of holes/ladders)
- Shoes must be black and polishable – no logos (not trainers, boots, sandals, ballet pumps)
Compulsory PE and Games uniform for all students in Years 7 – 11:
Available from school suppliers:
- Black and grey KEFW sports’ T-shirt for PE lessons.
- KEFW black shorts
- KEFW Long Black Socks for Games afternoonsGames top
- Girls – long sleeve black and grey playing shirt.
- Boys – Reversable rugby top and Rugby shorts.
Available from school suppliers or a supermarket alternative of the same colour, standard and design:
- White indoor socks for PE lessons.
- Indoor trainers
- Boys – studded/moulded bootsfor Rugby & Football.
- Black swimsuit or swim shorts for PE lessons.
- Plain black or white underlayers for extra warmth in the colder months.
Optional KEFW warm clothing:
- KEFW Plain black skort
- KEFW tracksuit bottoms
- KEFW ¼ zip top or KEFW water proof pull over.
Performance Sports for Rugby, Netball, Hockey, Cricket and Athletics
Performance Sports’ items are to be purchased for all students playing competitive sports and matches for KEFW: Students will be directed towards this once teams / selections have been established.
Parents are not required to purchase Performance Sports’ items until they are informed that they are required. Year 7 parents do not need to purchase Performance sports’ items.
To support families, we are in a position to loan performance kits for fixtures, if parents experience difficulty meeting these costs.
Optional KEFW items are available from our suppliers.
Sixth Form
Sixth Form Dress Guidance
This dress code sets the tone for the rest of the school in terms of appearance: Year 12 and 13 students’ dress should be smart, ‘business-like’ and appropriate to their position as role models for those in lower years. Staff expect students to demonstrate self-regulation and excellent judgement when purchasing their uniform; staff can advise if a student is unsure as to whether any aspect of their dress is outside of the guidelines set out below.
Dress expectations:
A business style suit (skirt or trousers).
Skirts and trousers should be made of suit style material and of an appropriate length. Trousers should be made of a proper suit material.
- A smart blouse or a tailored business shirt, worn with a tie.
The tie must be visible if choosing to wear a jumper. Jumpers are not to be worn instead of a jacket. Sweatshirts and hoodies are not permitted.
Black, navy or brown shoes should be worn. No trainers or casual footwear to be worn.
Separate information of the wearing of kirpans in school can be found here.