The DFE strongly encourages schools to have a uniform as it can play a key role in:
promoting the ethos of a school
providing a sense of belonging and identity
setting an appropriate tone for education
By creating a common identity amongst all pupils, regardless of background, a school uniform can act as a social leveller. It can reduce bullying and peer pressure to wear the latest fashions or other expensive clothes as well as reducing the pressure on parents to buy the latest accessories.
Tanfield School recognises that if school uniforms are too expensive it can place an unreasonable burden on families. Furthermore, as fashions change and manufacturers push the boundaries for acceptable ‘school wear’ the challenge of maintaining a fair and consistent approach does not diminish. If a distinction can be made between those who can afford it and those who cannot, this can reduce the benefits of a uniform and has the potential to negatively impact attendance, access and participation, and lead to bullying.
Tanfield School has kept the number of branded items to the bare minimum, whilst maintaining our high expectations and standards of presentation. Branded items are those items that have distinctive characteristics which make it unique to the school. For example; Tanfield School Blazer, tie, and Tanfield sports tops are our only compulsory branded items. To ensure the school acts as a social leveller, other items that are branded but are optional; This includes the Tanfield Tartan Skirt (this is only compulsory if a student wishes to wear a skirt instead of trousers) and the tank top.
The school has taken into account the overall cost of uniform and ensured that there are a number of generic items that can be purchased from a number high street stores (this includes low cost outlets). This is to give parents choice and allow them to take control of the cost of school uniforms. We have also ensured that we have made no changes to uniform specifications and no do not expect to do so in the foreseeable future without consulting parents first.
The school has a dress code that all students are expected to follow. We will insist on a perfect uniform: not nearly perfect but perfect. This is because we want children at Tanfield to be proud members of the school. Evidence suggests that sloppy uniforms lead to sloppy behaviour and sloppy learning habits for many students. School uniform is not a fashion item. It is designed to be both formal and comfortable.
There is an emphasis on being clean, tidy and presentable. Students should recognise that conflict over the dress code is inappropriate. The dress code applies both within school and on the journey to and from school.
In the cases of extreme weather, the headteacher has the discretion of relaxing the uniform. This will be communicated to students as they arrive to school or a message sent to parents. Parents and students should always assume that unless directed otherwise, students should wear their usual uniform.
The Equality Act 2010 prohibits discrimination against an individual based upon protected characteristics, which include sex, disability, race, religion and gender reassignment.
To avoid discrimination the school will:
Avoid listing uniform items based on sex, to give all students the opportunity to wear the Tanfield School uniform they feel most comfortable in or that most reflects their self-identified gender.
Allow students to wear religious or cultural symbols
The school will do this is by:
keeping the number of optional branded items to a minimum
avoiding different uniform requirements for different classes, years, houses and extra- curricular activities
ensuring that pre-loved/second-hand uniform can be obtained at the school
consulting with all stakeholders on any proposed significant changes to the uniform policy
We recognise that, on occasion, reasonable adjustments to our uniform may be required to support students with medical needs or SEND. In such cases, the school will require appropriate medical evidence (for example, from a doctor, consultant, or hospital) to confirm the necessity of the adjustment. This is in line with Department for Education (DfE) guidance, which makes clear that schools should balance the need to make reasonable adjustments with the importance of maintaining high standards and consistency in uniform. Requiring medical evidence ensures that adaptations are fair, transparent, and based on professional advice. We also ask that parents work with us to keep any changes as close to our standard uniform as possible, so that all students feel a sense of belonging and equality, and no child is made to feel different or singled out unnecessarily. For example, if medical advice requires a student to wear trainers, these should be plain black with no logos, markings, or flashes of colour.
Ordering online:
https://www.michaelsehgal.co.uk/schools/tanfield-school/ (Sizes are available in school to try on)
In store:
Michael Sehgal and Sons Ltd , Unit 17 Airport Industrial Estate,
Kingston Park, Newcastle, NE3 2EF
Opening Hours :Summer Hours: Mon – Fri 10am – 4:30pm; (Sat 10am– 4pm)
Telephone: 0191 2302320
Email: sales@michaelsehgal.co.uk
The school believes that our uniform policy and suppliers should offer value for money and that the cost of uniform should never be a barrier to a child attending the school. Therefore, the school will ensure the following:
Keep branded items to a bare minimum and ensure generic items can be purchased at a number of high street retailers.
Uniform costs and durability are balanced to ensure good value for money.
The school has a system for collecting and storing donated uniform that is previously worn but in good condition that can be accessed by families who need this, free of charge.
The school will help families with financial assistance, where appropriate and as needed, when cost is a barrier to their child attending school and meeting our uniform expectations. This can be discussed and agreed on a case by case basis.
The basic school uniform only has very minimal branding and colour ranges to ensure that suitable alternatives can be found in high street stores, whilst still meeting our high expectations and codes.
One uniform is suitable for the whole year and no summer/ winter uniform is required.
No specific requirements for colour/ style of coats or bags other than they are suitable for school and the carrying of books/ kit. Coats should be waterproof- no tracksuit tops with hoods.
If there is a medical reason why school shoes cannot be worn then a doctor’s note must be brought to school by the student and the issue resolved as soon as possible. The school will consider financial support when the cost of shoes/ uniform is prohibitive to students.
ALL PUPILS | DETAILS | HOW TO WEAR THE SCHOOL UNIFORM |
Blazer (compulsory)
| Black school blazer with pre-embroidered school badge – purchase from Sehgals (£29.99) | Sleeves must be worn at full length (not pushed back). Only badges authorised by school can be worn on blazers. |
Sleeveless Jumper (optional) | Black school jumper purchase from Sehgals (£14.99) | No hooded tops, sweatshirts, cardigans or tracksuit tops. Hooded tops should not be worn under blazers |
Shirt (compulsory) | Plain white traditional/formal school shirt with collar | Ensure that the collar button is fastened at all times. No coloured brightly vests or underwear beneath shirts. No fashion shirts/blouses Shirts must be tucked into trousers or skirt |
Tie (compulsory) | Clip on school tie – purchase from Sehgals (£5.99) Y11 tie – purchase from Sehgals, in-school or online (£5.99) | Ties must show at least 15 stripes Ties must show at least 5 badges |
Trousers (Compulsory if students chose not to wear a skirt) | Plain black tailored school trousers that cover the ankles. | No jeans, flares, baggy, bootleg, hipsters, leggings, low slung, skinny or tight fitting trousers No accessories such as buckles or laces etc. |
Skirt (compulsory if students chose not to wear trousers) | Tanfield Tartan skirt purchase from Sehgals (£19.99) | No other skirt can be worn. Skirts should be worn at a modest length (knee length) not rolled, tucked or altered in any way. |
Tights | Plain black opaque | No pattern |
Socks | Plain black ankle or knee socks | Socks or tights MUST be worn. NO trainer socks showing ankles. |
Shoes (compulsory) | Plain black leather (or leather in appearance) formal, sensible school shoes. Must not be two toned, striped, fashioned or overtly branded | Heels of 1 inch maximum No trainers or trainer style shoes e.g converse. No flip flops, sandals, plimsolls, backless shoes, 'Uggs' or similar No excessive buckles or studs. Trousers should be worn over boots. Shoes, should be worn with skirts NOT boots. |
School bag | Essential, minimum size to hold a folder | |
Hair & Makeup | Non-natural hair colours and extreme haircuts/hairstyles (such as patterns, lines, mohawks, multiple colours) are not allowed. Hair accessories should be plain black. Tanfield School welcomes and respects cultural identity. Years 7 - 9 No makeup of any description should be worn in school Years 10 - 11 Light makeup only. | No nail varnish No false nails No false eyelashes No heavy eyeliner or mascara Hair accessories should be black. NO large hair bands or bows. Cultural or protective hairstyles Natural and protective hairstyles such as braids, twists, locs, and cornrows, provided they are neat and well-maintained. Bright, fluorescent or unnatural hair colours, and extreme styles (including multiple colours, shaved patterns, or designs) are not permitted for any pupil. Hair accessories should be plain, black, and modest in size. Expectations apply equally to all pupils to ensure fairness, inclusion, and respect. Pupils whose hairstyle or colour does not meet expectations will be asked to make appropriate adjustments within an agreed time frame. |
Jewellery | A watch is allowed - no smart watches/fitbits No other jewellery is to be worn Plain black hairbands only | No piercings. No earrings or expanders. No other visible piercings (retainers or sticky plasters are not acceptable) Piercings should be done at the beginning of the six week Summer Holiday and removed for school. No rings No bracelets No bandanas, bows or bright hair accessories Belts should be black with no large or extreme buckles |
All effective, successful sports performers take pride in their appearance by wearing the correct kit or uniform. Details below include the compulsory PE uniform.
PE uniform policy is that students wear PE kit even when not participating.
ALL PUPILS | DETAILS | HOW TO WEAR THE SCHOOL UNIFORM |
Tanfield short sleeved polo shirt (compulsory) | Embroidered badge, for indoor and outdoor use – purchase from Sehgals (£13.99) | Collar must be worn down |
Black shorts, leggings or training pants (generic compulsory) | For indoor and outdoor use – any plain black can be worn | No stripes or large logos. |
Trainers | Trainers not plimsolls for indoor and outdoor use. These must have non-marking soles (sports hall) | Trainers must be fastened correctly (tie shoe laces) to provide feet with the correct support |
Tanfield long sleeved training top (compulsory only if students wish to wear a long sleeved shirt) | Embroidered badge, for outdoor use – purchase from Sehgals (£24.99) |
Please note that no watches should be worn during PE. These should be removed and put in a safe place during all PE lessons.
If in doubt of any items of uniform, parents/carers should ask school before purchasing them. Parents should not be pressurised or convinced by their child to buy the incorrect uniform as this can be expensive if it does not meet our high standards regarding appearance and presentation.
The Headteacher reserves the right to address/ prohibit anything we feel is excessive, inappropriate or extreme.
If a student is not conforming to the uniform policy:
a phone call home will be made to parents alerting them of the problem.
Students will be required to correct the issue the same day.
If the problem cannot be rectified immediately the student will continue learning in isolation, including breaks and lunch until a parent/carer can bring in correct uniform items.
If we cannot contact parents/carers, the student will continue to be isolated until the issue is resolved
they will be given a date to correct it by.
Students can loan the required item if their uniform is damaged or parents are unable to replace it in the required timescale.
We always try to work closely with families to resolve issues in partnership. However, if a student persistently breaks uniform code then the school will implement sanctions in line with the School’s behaviour policy.
Please note these are not sequential; any may be applied depending on the circumstances. Incidents will be logged using our behaviour management system.
Year Managers should be contacted if parents want to request an amendment to the uniform policy in relation to:
a protected characteristic
●the cost of the uniform
The school will not be responsible for the loss/ damage and incurred costs of any prohibited or sanctioned items; this includes jewellery, watches, wallets, mobile phones, electronic devices and designer items such as coats or bags. We do not recommend such items are brought into school and are only done so at the students own risk.
The school upholds our right in law to search students and confiscate items – details of this can be found in the Behaviour Policy.
The governing body will review this policy and make sure that it:
is appropriate for our School
is implemented fairly
offers uniform that is appropriate, practical and safe for all students
gives the highest priority to cost and value for money.