We believe in the value of school uniform and insist upon high standards of dress. After extensive consultation with students and parents/carers, the uniform was chosen with regard to what looks smart and is comfortable and appropriate for thirteen to sixteen year olds; cost and availability were also important considerations.
Updated Guidance from DfE on Uniform 2022
In 2022, the UK Department for Education (DfE) issued guidance aimed at making school uniforms more affordable, requiring schools to consider cost-effectiveness. Vandyke seeks to keep uniform costs as low as possible while maintaining the importance of smart appearance and pride in being a member of the school community. The school has attempted to reduce the cost of uniform by not including a blazer and tie as part of the uniform. We are also in regular contact with our supplier aiming to reduce the cost of branded items and have donated uniform to local community uniform events . We also have a range of free second hand uniform available to any student who may need this. We also have a range of uniform on offer for free at transition evenings, parent consultation evenings and options evenings.
Parental Support
If for any reason a parent/carer is unable to provide uniform due to financial difficulties, we will help and maintain a fund to make this possible. Please contact the school, in confidence, as a matter of urgency and ask to speak to the Head of Year or Tom Lally ([email protected]). We keep a supply of uniform items which are, in many cases, new and are, in all cases, laundered and ready to wear. These items may be borrowed for a limited period. We regularly update our stock, so there is no reason why any student should be out of uniform.
Purchasing Uniform
Standard school uniform, including jumpers/cardigans, polo-shirts, skirts and PE items are available from Wear-2-School in North Street, Leighton Buzzard. All items marked with an asterisk* below can be purchased at Wear-2-School, and a current price list can be found here. Each year, Wear-2-School offer an Easy Payment Scheme, which allows parents to order their uniform up front and spread the cost over several months. More information can be found here.
Required School Uniform
> Regulation white Vandyke polo-shirt with school logo on chest*. Plain white polo shirts are not permitted.
> Regulation burgundy Vandyke jumper or cardigan, with school logo on sleeve* or regulation burgundy Vandyke PE sweatshirt/hoodie*.
> Formal black/dark grey trousers or tailored black/dark grey shorts (professional length, just above the knee) or tailored black/dark grey skirt (professional length, just above the knee). For clarity, trousers must be plain/unpatterned (no checks, stripes, etc.). ‘Jeggings-style’ leggings and ‘jeans style’ trousers made from non-denim material are not permitted.
> Grey, black or white socks.
> Black shoes. Shoes must be all black and polishable, without obvious brand logos. Sports shoes of any kind, including plimsolls, black canvas trainers, Vans, Converse or any other canvas footwear are not acceptable.
Please refer to these slides for illustrations of what is and is not acceptable. Further information can be found in our current school uniform policy.
Any student not wearing full school uniform is withdrawn from lessons and parents/carers are contacted so that the issue can be resolved promptly.
PE Kit
The standard of PE and Sport at Vandyke is exceptionally high. Our teams have a record of outstanding success and there is a thriving extra-curricular PE programme. As with our dress code, the PE department encourages a sense of pride and ‘belonging’ in PE, by asking students to wear kit in school colours.
All students are required to wear school PE kit as below.
> Burgundy Vandyke polo shirt*
> Burgundy Vandyke sweatshirt/hoodie* (optional)
> Burgundy Vandyke shorts* or skort* or plain black shorts or black tracksuit bottoms
> Black football/hockey socks
> White sports socks (indoor)
> Training shoes (not plimsolls)
> Football boots
Other Requirements
Jewellery and body piercings are inappropriate for school, as are extremes of hairstyle and make-up. A single small sleeper or stud (one per ear – multiple earrings are not permitted), a watch, a single necklace (tucked inside the polo-shirt) and a maximum of one ring per hand are allowed. Body piercing is limited to nose (stud) and ear, i.e. no eyebrow, lip, or other piercings are allowed (a separate policy on piercings is available from the school). Extremes of hairstyle and make-up are not allowed. Hair colour must be natural shades only.
If in any doubt about any of the above, please contact the school for clarification, or refer to the school uniform policy (copies also available via the school office).
