Uniform

Upholding Our High Standards: Uniform Expectations at Leigh Academy Dartford

At Leigh Academy Dartford, we believe that a consistent uniform policy across all year groups is essential for promoting equality, a sense of pride, and a readiness for learning among our students. We expect all children to arrive in full, correct uniform each day and to uphold these standards throughout the academy day.

By ensuring your child is dressed appropriately, you are helping us prepare them for their future secondary education and the professional world of work, where specific dress expectations are often in place.

Key Uniform Expectations

To maintain our high standards, please ensure your child adheres to the following requirements:

• Official LAD Jumper/Cardigan: All children must wear the official Leigh Academy Dartford jumper or cardigan, which is available for purchase from our supplier, Brigade.

• Bottoms: Students should wear dark grey trousers, shorts, skirts, or pinafore dresses. During the summer months, grey shorts or the blue check summer dress are permitted.

• Shirts: A white collared shirt, blouse, or polo shirt must be worn.

• Footwear: We require sensible, flat, leather black shoes that do not rise higher than the ankle bone. Please note that trainers are not allowed. While some retailers sell "trainer-looking" shoes, branded trainers are not considered formal school shoes. Please see the images below of the branded trainers that are not accepted at Leigh Academy Dartford. Boots may be worn to and from the academy in winter, but school shoes must be worn inside the building.

• Socks: Socks should be plain white, grey, or black.

• Outerwear: During colder weather, please provide your child with a warm, waterproof coat.

PE Kit

On the day of their PE lesson, children should come to school in their PE uniform.

• Pale blue T-shirt

• Navy blue or black sport shorts (no higher than mid-thigh) Cycling shorts are not appropriate.

• Navy/black non-branded tracksuit bottoms may be worn in winter months (children will wear their LAD sweatshirt/cardigan)

• Black or white sports shoes, or plimsolls (for outdoor games; indoor PE is done barefoot).

Sourcing Uniform and Support

While branded items are purchased through Brigade, we recommend high street retailers for basic uniform items to ensure value for money.

We also offer support for families seeking second-hand uniform. Please feel free to reach out to our Family Liaison Officers:

• Infant Site: Mrs. Reid

• Junior Site: Mrs. Day

A Reminder on Labeling: Please ensure your child’s entire uniform, including coats and shoes, is clearly labelled. While we maintain lost property collections, the academy is not responsible for lost items.

Smartwatches

Any smart devices (including but not limited to watches and glasses) which have cameras, are AI enabled, are connected to a mobile phone or are connected to a data network are NOT PERMITTED in school under any circumstances. This is for the safety of all pupils.

Addressing Non-Compliance

Students are expected to adhere to these standards daily. Any non-compliance through student actions will be addressed in line with the academy’s graduated approach to challenging or disruptive behaviour, as outlined in our behavior policy.

If you are experiencing challenges in securing the correct uniform, we encourage you to discuss this with the academy office so we can support you.

For further details and a full visual guide, please visit the school website: https://leighacademydartford.org.uk/academy-life/school-uniform/