Uniform
Years 7-11
School Uniform at John Taylor Free School
John Taylor Free School is a uniformed school. Wearing uniform helps promote pride, a sense of belonging and equality within our community, and supports a calm and focused learning environment.
Students are expected to wear full school uniform correctly at all times, and we ask parents and carers to support the school in maintaining these standards.
Our Uniform
Our uniform supports a positive culture and high standards across the school. It helps to promote pride in the school community and a strong sense of belonging, while ensuring students are dressed smartly and appropriately for learning.
We have carefully designed our uniform and PE kit in line with Department for Education guidance, limiting required branded items while maintaining a clear sense of identity for our students. Wherever possible, key items can be purchased from a range of retailers, helping to keep costs manageable for families.
Our Uniform
We aim to keep uniform costs manageable by limiting required branded items and allowing many standard items to be purchased from a range of retailers.
The information below outlines our uniform expectations. Full details can be found in the Uniform Policy.
- Grey school blazer with the John Taylor Free School logo
- Blazers must be worn at all times unless staff give permission for them to be removed
- All students wear a clip‑on tie in their house colour:
- Charnwood
- Kingstone
- Marchington
- Needwood
- Rosliston
- Sherwood
- Ties are available to purchase through school via My Child At School
- Plain white shirt with a formal collar
- Long or short sleeve shirts may be worn
- Shirts should be suitable for wearing with a tie and long enough to be tucked in
- A school v‑neck jumper with logo may be worn under the blazer
- Alternatively, students may choose a plain black knitted v‑neck jumper
- Cardigans, vest‑style tops and fashion shirts are not suitable for school uniform
- Plain black, tailored school trousers are expected
- Trousers should be a standard school fit and not tight‑fitting or styled as fashion wear
- Students may choose to wear the school‑specific tartan skirt
- Skirts should be knee‑length and worn appropriately
- Black tailored shorts may also be worn as an alternative and should be at least knee‑length.
- Plain black, leather‑style school shoes are expected
- Shoes should be suitable for the school environment and not resemble trainers or fashion footwear
- Socks should be plain black, grey or white
- Tights should be plain black, grey or natural in colour
Appearance Expectations
We expect all students to present themselves in a neat and appropriate way for school, helping to maintain a positive and focused learning environment.
- Hair should be neat and tidy and worn in a natural style without patterns or extreme designs
- Make‑up should be minimal and subtle. False eyelashes and cosmetic contact lenses are not suitable for school
- No jewellery, except for one wristwatch and a maximum of one plain set of stud earrings, metal-coloured, one in each ear, worn in the lower ear lobe. No other piercings are permitted including nose piercings. Clear retainers may be worn; however, these must be removed for PE.
- Other jewellery and piercings are not suitable for school
- Nails should be kept to a safe length, and nail varnish or artificial nails should not be worn
- Belts, if worn, should be plain black and functional rather than decorative
- Scarves, hats and gloves may be worn when travelling to and from school but should be removed inside the building
- Outdoor coats should be suitable for school and worn over the blazer
- We recommend practical, weather‑appropriate coats rather than fashion items
- Hoodies and tracksuit‑style tops are not suitable for school
Religious Clothing
We respect the right of students to wear approved items of religious clothing and work with families to ensure this is done sensitively and safely.
- A hijab may be worn and must be plain black
- A hijab should not cover the face or any part of the school uniform
- A turban may be worn and must be plain black
- If additional items are required for religious reasons, please contact the school so arrangements can be discussed
PE Kit
Students are expected to wear appropriate PE kit for all physical education lessons. All items should be clearly named.
- School PE t‑shirt in house colour (two versions available)
- School PE shorts in house colour or plain black sports shorts (no logos, loose fitting, at least mid‑thigh length)
- School tracksuit bottoms or plain black tracksuit bottoms (not tight or skinny fitting)
- Black knee‑length sports socks
- White ankle socks
- Sports trainers suitable for PE, with non‑marking soles (not fashion trainers)
- Shin pads and gum shields for contact sports (when advised by school)
- Football boots for football and rugby lessons
To help keep costs manageable, a number of PE kit items can be purchased as plain black alternatives rather than school‑specific items.
- School PE jumper in house colour
- School rugby shirt in house colour (may be worn in place of a PE top)
- School rugby shorts with school logo
- Plain black ‘skins’ worn under PE tops
- Plain black leggings worn underneath shorts (not as a replacement for shorts)
Other branded or fashion PE clothing is not suitable for lessons. All jewellery must be removed for PE lessons. Hoodies are not permitted.
Mobile Phones and Electronics Devices
Clear expectations are in place so that mobile phones and other devices do not disrupt learning.
- Mobile phones must be switched off (not on silent) and kept in students’ bags while on the school site
- Phones may only be used when a member of staff gives explicit permission during a lesson
- Phones and electronic devices remain the responsibility of the student
- If a phone or connected device is seen or heard without permission, it will be confiscated and passed to the Headteacher
- Parents/carers will be contacted to arrange collection during school hours
- Headphones should not be worn on the school site unless permitted by staff during a lesson
- Other electronic devices are not required in school
Equipment List
Alongside correct uniform, students are expected to bring the equipment they need for learning each day.
- Reading book
- STRIPE Reflective Journal
- Pens (black or blue for exams; other colours useful for lessons)
- Pencils
- Ruler (at least 15cm, with metric markings)
- Eraser and pencil sharpener
- Glue stick
- Scientific calculator
- Geometry set (including compass and protractor)
We recommend that students use a pencil case to keep equipment organised and a school bag large enough to comfortably carry books and resources.
These expectations help ensure students are prepared, organised and ready to engage fully in the school day. Further information about attendance and the school day can be found on the Attendance and Key Dates pages.
If you are unsure about any aspect of uniform or equipment, please contact the school and we will be happy to help.
Uniform Suppliers
School uniform items are available from the following suppliers:
WB Global Trading Limited
wbglobaltrading.co.uk
[email protected]
01283 716338 / 07799 752686
20 Bells End Road, Walton‑on‑Trent, Derbyshire, DE12 8ND
My Uniform Ltd
myuniformltd.co.uk
[email protected]
01283 619224
82 Wellington Street, Burton‑on‑Trent, Staffordshire, DE14 2DS
Pupils Schoolwear
pupilsschoolwear.co.uk
01283 224512
35 West Street, Swadlincote, Derbyshire, DE11 9DN
SchoolWear UK
Pre-loved Uniform
Pre‑loved items are available through the school’s uniform shop and can be ordered via the My Child at School (MCAS) app for collection from Reception.
Availability depends on donations, so families are encouraged to check regularly. Items may also be available through the PTFA Facebook page.
.