PARENTS
Making uniform more affordable
At Bourne Academy, we know that school uniform is important. It helps students feel part of the school community, supports high standards and contributes to a smart, purposeful learning environment.
We also recognise that uniform must be affordable and practical for families. Following the latest Department for Education guidance, we have reviewed our uniform requirements to reduce costs, limit the number of compulsory branded items and give parents and carers more choice about where they purchase uniform.
Key message for parents and carers
Most everyday uniform items and most PE kit items can now be bought from any suitable retailer, including supermarkets, high street shops and online suppliers. Only a small number of core items remain school specific.
What has changed?
- We have reduced the number of compulsory branded items.
- We have clearly separated SLAT logo/branded items from non-branded items on the uniform page.
- We have made more items available from any retailer, rather than requiring families to buy everything from a specific school supplier.
- From September 2026, the PE kit is simpler and includes more plain black options that can be purchased from any suitable retailer.
- The previous compulsory branded rugby/multisport top has been replaced with a plain black rugby top or plain black sweatshirt jumper.
- From September 2026, students may wear any suitable coat for travelling to and from school, provided it does not have offensive logos.
- We continue to support families through our preloved and second-hand uniform arrangements.
- Families experiencing financial difficulty are encouraged to contact the school, as support may be available.
What remains school specific?
To maintain a clear and consistent school identity, a small number of core items remain SLAT logo/branded items:
- Black blazer with Academy badge.
- Academy year group tie.
- Black trousers with SLAT Trust emblem or black skirt with SLAT Trust emblem.
All other standard items, such as shirts, plain black V-neck jumpers, shoes, socks, tights and coats, can be purchased from a retailer of the family’s choice, provided they meet the published uniform requirements.
PE kit from September 2026
The PE kit has also been reviewed to support affordability. From September 2026, the compulsory PE kit includes more plain items, such as plain black shorts, plain black football socks, suitable trainers and a plain black rugby top or plain black sweatshirt jumper.
Optional PE items, including plain black joggers, plain black skorts, plain black leggings, plain black base layers and plain black hoodies, can also be purchased from any suitable retailer, as long as they meet the published requirements.
Supporting families
All schools in the Trust welcome donations of good quality, wearable uniform. These items are made available through ParentMail where possible. This helps families access uniform at a lower cost and supports a more sustainable approach to uniform.
If a family is experiencing particular financial difficulty, the school may be able to assist with the provision of uniform. Parents and carers are encouraged to contact the school directly for further information.
SLAT School Uniform Policy
School Uniform
The school uniform consists of:
SLAT logo/branded items:
- Black blazer with Academy badge: Available ONLY from Nationwide School Uniforms. To be worn at all times on the school site unless specific permission has been given by a member of staff.
- Academy Year group tie: Available ONLY from the ParentMail shop or Nationwide School Uniforms. Students keep the same colour tie in each year at school.
- Black trousers with SLAT Trust emblem: Available ONLY from Nationwide School Uniforms.
OR - Black skirt with SLAT Trust emblem: Available ONLY from Nationwide School Uniforms. Must be no shorter than 5cm above the knee and no longer than 10cm above the ankle. Skirts must NOT be rolled over at the waist.
Non-SLAT logo/branded items:
- Plain black V-neck jumper/pullover: This must be plain black and V-neck. A jumper/pullover is in addition to the blazer, not instead of a blazer. No cardigans, sweatshirts or hoodies.
- White shirt: Long or short sleeved, worn tucked in and all buttons fastened. No revere or button-down collars.
- Black leather effect school shoes: No trainers/pumps. No high heels. No sport makes. Black leather effect flat boots may be worn with trousers only.
- Socks: Plain black only. No stripes, colours or white sport socks. No sports logos. No trainer socks and no knee-high socks, or over the knee (socks must be visible above shoes).
- Tights: Flesh coloured or black. No socks to be worn over tights.
- Coat: Coat in dark colours preferred (not to be worn inside). From September 2026: Any coat suitable for travelling to and from school (no offensive logos).
PE Kit
The PE kit consists of:
Compulsory items:
- White polo shirt with collar
- Plain black shorts (no sports stripes, colours, large logo or cycling shorts)
- Plain black rugby top or Plain black sweatshirt jumper
- Football boots
- Plain black football socks
- Suitable trainers
- White sports socks (trainer socks are NOT permitted)
- Shin pads
Optional items:
- Plain black joggers/bottoms (no stripes, large logos or colours)
- Plain black Skort (thigh length only)
- Plain black leggings (must be worn under shorts/Skort only)
- Plain black base layer (must be worn under tops or shorts only)
- Plain black hoodie (this cannot be worn during Rugby lessons)
- Mouthguard
Hair Style
- No unnatural colours or contrast colourings are permitted and no shaven lines in hair.
- Discreet hair accessories only (dark colours only).
Jewellery / Make-up / Other
- A single small stud or small sleeper (Huggies) may be worn in each ear lobe, not in the cartilage.
- One ring on each hand is allowed but must be discreet.
- One bracelet or charity bracelet is allowed but must be discreet.
- No facial/alternative body piercing jewellery is acceptable.
- One plain necklace may be worn (not to be seen).
- No gel nails, acrylic or nail varnish (even natural colours).
- No make-up (including fake tan) in Year 7 and 8. Year 9, 10 and 11 subtle make-up only.
- No false eyelashes or lash extensions. No lines/slits in eyebrows.
- No fashion belts.
- Any religious head covering should be plain.
Uniform supplier
Our uniform supplier is Nationwide School Uniforms.
Parents/carers can purchase the uniform online from www.nationwideschooluniforms.co.uk or you can visit their shop at:
Nationwide School Uniforms
Vale Road
Spilsby
Lincolnshire
PE23 5HE
The SLAT logo/branded items (school blazer, school tie and school trousers or skirts plus PE Kit where specified) must be purchased from Nationwide School Uniforms. All other items can either be purchased from Nationwide School Uniforms or from any high street / retail shop.
Preloved and Secondhand Uniform
All schools in our Trust welcome donations of good quality wearable items of old uniform to be taken directly to school reception. These will be listed on ParentMail. We do not have the facilities to launder the items, so we kindly ask that any donations are clean.
We rely on donations to make it a success. Thank you.