SCHOOL UNIFORM CHANGES FOR SEPTEMBER 2024

From September 2024, the new uniform will be mandatory for incoming Year 7 students, symbolising the beginning of their journey with us. Existing students need not worry, as they are not expected to replace their current uniforms. The transition to the new uniform will occur gradually, allowing students to adopt it when they outgrow their existing attire.

We understand the financial considerations associated with such changes. To alleviate any concerns, the grey blazer can be purchased outside of the named providers below and badges can be affixed. For our female students, the Ridgeway branded skirt will be the only permissible option. Current students wearing a skirt are encouraged to transition to the new Ridgeway skirt when their current one requires replacement. Acknowledging the financial pressures families may face, we want to assure you that we have taken careful consideration in selecting the uniform to balance quality and affordability. Your understanding and cooperation are greatly appreciated as we implement this change for the benefit of our students.

A new PE kit is also being introduced from September 2025. As above, this only applies to new students joining the school (unless other families need to replace).

Our main suppliers are Orchard Clothing and School Days of Bromsgrove.

The changes to the uniform are:

  • a grey blazer with Ridgeway badge
  • a grey Ridgeway jumper with badge (optional)
  • a new Ridgeway tie
  • a Ridgeway branded skirt

Trousers with pockets on the leg, large belts or buckles, with dropped waists or very flared, are not deemed suitable for school uniform.  Skirts to be of a modest length.

Jewellery

  • Parents are urged to see that children leave valuables at home.  Watches and metal stud earrings only are acceptable but other jewellery must not be worn for school.  Loss causes the owner and parents much distress and items of jewellery must be removed for games/PE lessons (including any such extra-curricular activity).  School cannot be responsible for any loss of jewellery if items are not handed to the teacher leading the PE/Games lesson.  It is advised that small items should be placed in a small box to avoid loss of the items.
  • Students may not wear body or tongue piercings to school.
  • It would be particularly helpful if parents who are considering having their children’s ears pierced should arrange for this to be done at the beginning of the holiday period.  Training studs may not be removed for a lengthy period and this could mean that the child concerned would not be able to take part in a range of activities within the Physical Education curriculum.
  • Students may not wear make-up, nail extensions or nail varnish to school.

SCHOOL UNIFORM SUPPLIERS

Orchard Clothing, Hunt End Trading Estate, 30 Dunlop Rd, Redditch B97 5XP orchardschoolwear.co.uk
01527545555

School Days, Schooldays Limited, Unit 5a Dunlop Road, Hunt End Industrial Estate, Redditch, B97 5XP – Opposite as TIME GOES BY
01527 757439 option 2
email: [email protected]
schooldays-bromsgrove.co.uk

Please Note:  If you wish to have details of the criteria or application for a uniform grant, please contact the school office, in confidence.  The school will be able to provide you with the appropriate guidance.

Second-hand uniform: We don’t hold 2nd hand uniform in school. However, there is a Redditch initiative that holds a 2nd hand uniform day in the Town Centre and we will publish the date of this on social media nearer the time. When Year 11s leave, we also ask for any donations to the school, which we use to support our vulnerable families.

Equipment

All of our students at Ridgeway are expected to have all of the following equipment in every lesson. It is an important part to ensure the smooth start to lessons and to maximise learning time.

Further specialist equipment may be provided for some lessons. However, all students are expected to bring:

A robust pencil case that is plain and clear that must include…
  • Black pen x3 (biro only, no clicker or roller ball pens)
  • Red pen x3
  • Pencil x3
  • A sharpener
  • An eraser
  • Whiteboard pen x1
  • A 30cm long ruler
  • A geometry set (protractor, compasses)
  • A scientific calculator

Please note: a reading book must also be brought to school every day. The school library (LRC) should be used where necessary to obtain a book.