Uniform

Uniform

Uniform Expectations – September 2026 

At The Rural Enterprise Academy, we are committed to maintaining high standards of dress that promote a sense of pride, belonging and readiness to learn. 

Following consultation with parents, staff and students, September 2026 marks the start of a phased move towards a more modern, practical and cost-conscious uniform model. 

Compulsory Uniform Items (All Students) 

Top Half 

• Academy blazer with badge (grey) AND / OR 

• Academy jumper with logo (may be worn instead of a blazer from September 2026) 

• White shirt/blouse – worn tucked in 

• Academy tie – worn correctly 

👉 No change to shirts and ties for 2026–27. 

Bottom Half 

• Black formal trousers (no jeans-style, rivets or tight-fitting styles), or 

• Academy skirt (minimum 22-inch length, not rolled up) 

👉 No changes to trousers or skirts. 

Footwear 

• Plain black footwear permitted, including: 

• Black shoes 

• Plain black trainers (new for September 2026) 

• Footwear must: 

• Be entirely black 

• Have no visible logos or branding 

👉 This replaces the previous requirement for formal shoes only. [crestedsch...wear.co.uk] 

Socks / Tights 

• Plain black socks 

• Plain black tights (no patterns) 

PE Kit 

• Academy polo shirt and rugby top 

• Black shorts, skort, tracksuit bottoms or sports leggings 

• Sports trainers, football boots, shin pads, gumshield 

👉 No changes to PE kit. [ruralenter...cademy.com] 

Forest School / Land-Based Learning 

• PPE, steel toe-capped footwear and appropriate outdoor clothing 

👉 No changes. 

Jewellery, Hair and Appearance (Updated for September 2026) 

Expectations have been relaxed slightly to reflect the student's voice, while maintaining a smart and appropriate standard. 

Key Principles 

• Students should present themselves in a neat, safe and appropriate way for school 

• Items should not:  

• Cause a safeguarding risk 

• Be extreme or disruptive to learning 

• Undermine the school’s standards of professionalism 

Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9) 

A structured approach remains to support consistency: 

• Jewellery 

• One pair of small stud earrings permitted 

• A watch permitted 

• No facial piercings 

• Make-up and Nails 

• Minimal, natural make-up only (if worn) 

• False nails permitted if short, natural and without embellishments 

• No false eyelashes 

• No nail varnish 

• Hair 

• Hair should be of a natural colour and appropriate style 

Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11) 

A more flexible approach reflects increased maturity: 

• Jewellery 

• One pair of earrings (studs or small hoops) 

• A watch permitted 

• Discreet additional jewellery (e.g. simple necklace) allowed 

• Single nose stud permitted 

• No other facial piercings 

• Make-up and Nails 

• Light make-up permitted 

• Nail varnish permitted (neutral tones) 

• False nails permitted if short, natural and without embellishments 

• False eyelashes should be subtle and appropriate 

• Hair 

• Greater flexibility, but styles and colours must remain appropriate for school 

Non-negotiables (All Students) 

• No extreme hairstyles or colours 

• No large or unsafe jewellery 

• Staff reserve the right to challenge anything considered:  

• Unsafe 

• Excessive 

• Inappropriate for school 

Phased Approach (Important Information) 

These changes form part of a planned, phased transition: 

• September 2026: Initial changes introduced 

• Jumper can replace blazer 

• Footwear rules relaxed 

• Slightly more flexible approach to appearance 

• Autumn 2026: Further consultation with parents, staff and students 

• September 2027: Implementation of a fully revised uniform model 

Summary of Changes for September 2026 

✅ Blazer optional (jumper with logo can be worn instead) 
✅ Plain black trainers now permitted 
✅ Slight relaxation on jewellery, make-up and nails 
✅ KS3 / KS4 expectations clarified 

What Remains the Same 

• Shirts and ties 

• Trousers and skirts 

• PE kit and Forest School uniform