Uniform
At Harris Academy Purley we have high expectations of all, in everything we do. This includes personal appearance. Uniform plays an important role in establishing the ethos of our school.
We believe that our uniform policy benefits the school in a number of ways:
- it encourages identification with the school and nurtures the notion of community
- it protects students from social pressures to dress in a particular way
- it supports discipline and good behaviour and ensures the health and safety of students
- it instils a sense of pride in the school
- it promotes more effective teaching and learning
Full cooperation with our dress code enables staff to concentrate their time and effort on teaching and learning. The decision about what is and is not acceptable will always remain with the school. Students are expected to adhere to the uniform rules on the journey to and from school, as well as on the Academy site.
You can find our Uniform Policy on the Student Welfare page.
Official uniform supplier
Several items in our uniform list can only be purchased through our official uniform supplier. These items have embroidery and printed logos that are only used by our academy. The documents at the bottom of this page outline which items can only be purchased through Stevensons. All other items can be purchased from a retailer of your choosing.
Official Supplier: stevensons.co.uk
As of September 2020 Hewitt's no longer sell our uniform.
Mandatory uniform
Students are expected to own all items of our mandatory uniform and wear them throughout the year. We do not have a different uniform for summer or winter.
Anyone arriving at school with unsanctioned clothing or accessories will be expected to exchange those items with the correct uniform from Student Services. Your belongings will be stored until all borrowed items are returned at the end of the day.
Students found to be wearing inappropriate clothing after morning registration will have the item(s) confiscated, and will receive a detention on the same day.
Branded academy blazer (mandatory)
- Only available from our official supplier
- Navy with gold trim and embroidered badge
Blazers are to be worn at all times, including in the classroom. A teacher may give permission for it to be removed during their lesson.
Skirt or trousers (mandatory)
- Can be purchased from your preferred retailer
- Plain black 'regular fit' trousers (for boys or girls)
- Plain black 'classic style' knee length skirt
- No decorative stitching, labels or logos
Collared shirts (mandatory)
- Can be purchased from your preferred retailer
- Plain white with buttons
- Can be long sleeved or short sleeved
- No decorative stitching, labels or logos
Top button should be fastened at all times
Faculty tie (mandatory)
- Only available from our official supplier
- Colour should reflect the faculty of the student
To ensure students are wearing ties at an appropriate length, at least 5 stripes should be visible.
Socks / tights (mandatory)
- Can be purchased from your preferred retailer
- Socks should be plain black and ankle high
- Tights should be plain black or skin coloured
- No decorative stitching, labels or logos
Shoes (mandatory)
- Can be purchased from your preferred retailer
- Plain black leather
- Flat black soles
- No decorative stitching, labels or logos
Boots, black trainers, plimsolls, canvas shoes and suede shoes may not be worn.
School bag (mandatory)
- Can be purchased from your preferred retailer
- Plain black
- Must be large enough to accommodate an A4 folder and text books
- No decorative stitching, labels or logos
- Optional branded rucksacks are available from our official supplier
Branded PE top (mandatory)
- Only available from our official supplier
- White polo neck with embroidered badge
PE shorts (mandatory)
- Can be purchased from your preferred retailer
- Plain navy sports shorts
- No decorative stitching, labels or logos
PE socks (mandatory)
- Can be purchased from your preferred retailer
- Plain navy knee high sports socks
- No decorative stitching, labels or logos
Trainers (mandatory)
- Can be purchased from your preferred retailer
- Plain white trainers suitable for use in a sports hall (non-marking)
- No decorative stitching, labels or logos
Shin pads and mouth guard (gum shield)
- Can be purchased from your preferred retailer
- Required for contact sports
- Mouldable mouth guard recommended
Optional uniform
Students are not expected to own or wear the items below. These are optional items that may help students feel more comfortable around school or while participating in extra-curricular activities.
Branded academy jumper (optional)
- Only available from our official supplier
- Navy with gold trim
Branded PE joggers (optional)
- Only available from our official supplier
- Straight leg suggested for boys
- Tapered leg suggested for girls
- Navy with embroidered badge
PE base layer (optional)
- Can be purchased from your preferred retailer
- Plain white or navy long sleeve sports top
- Worn under our PE Polo Neck or Branded PE Jersey
- No decorative stitching, labels or logos
Branded PE jersey (optional)
- Only available from our official supplier
- Recommended for outdoor sports clubs and activities
- Navy with embroidered badge
Branded jacket (optional)
- Only available from our official supplier
- Worn on top of our white PE Tops or Branded PE Jerseys
- Navy with embroidered badge
Coats and rain macs (optional)
- Can be purchased from any clothes retailer
- Plain black or navy without logos, patterns or markings
Denim jackets, sweatshirts, tracksuit tops, hooded tops and combination tops are not permitted as top coats. These will be confiscated if visible.
Headwear and religious clothing
- Religious headwear may be worn (for religious purposes only) and should be either plain black or navy blue
Baseball caps, hats and bandannas may not be worn.
Hair styles
- Hair should be neat, tidy and appropriate for a professional working environment (as defined by the school).
Extreme styles and unnatural hair colouring are not permitted. This includes shaved lines in hair or eyebrows.
Make-up
- Subtle make-up in neutral colours is permitted.
- Nails should be at a length that cannot cause injury to others (as defined by the school)
Nail varnish is not permitted.
Jewellery / tattoos / piercings
- Students may wear one small gold or silver stud earring in each ear.
- It is an offence under UK legislation to tattoo a person under the age of 18 except when the tattoo is performed for medical reasons by a medical practitioner.
Nose studs, facial studs, ear expanders, rings, bracelets and any other form of jewellery or piercing is not permitted.
Where a student is unable to wear appropriate footwear for medical reasons, they will be expected to provide a written request from their parent/carer. Should permission to continue to wear alternative shoes on medical grounds be sought beyond one week, the Academy requests that a doctor’s note is provided.
Second-hand uniform and equipment
There is a limited supply of second-hand uniform available for parents to acquire. This provision is available from Student Services. The Academy welcomes any donations of unwanted equipment, outgrown school uniform or text books. Please contact Mr Menagh (j.menagh@harrispurley.org.uk) for further information.
