DRESS, APPEARANCE & EQUIPMENT

At BWS we believe that a smart and consistent uniform supports a purposeful school environment. A well-worn uniform helps to create a sense of shared identity and belonging and signals that school is a place of learning and scholarship. When students arrive dressed smartly, they are better prepared to focus on their work and to contribute positively to the life of the school.

We expect the BWS uniform to be worn with pride, and in a manner that reflects the values of our community.

Uniform for Sixth Form

Please see here

Uniform for Years 7 – 11

The regulation uniform is as follows.

*all items in bold are branded.

• Navy blue blazer with school crest.
• Plain grey or black trousers which must conform to the school’s standard of smartness: jeans and corduroys are not allowed.
• Plain white, light grey or light blue shirt. Shirts must be tucked in and top buttons done up.  Any T-shirt or vest that is worn beneath a shirt must not have any visible pattern or logo.  
• School tie (note that special ties are awarded for various achievements).
• V-neck pullovers, if worn, must be plain grey or navy.
• Plain black or dark brown outdoor footwear of a conventional shape and style: trainers and related styles are not allowed; white or vivid coloured socks are not acceptable.
• Hair must be neat and tidy and of the boy’s natural colour. Hair longer than collar length must be tied back neatly.
• In cold or wet weather, topcoats, in addition to a blazer, are permitted.  Coats with prominent logos or of unconventional colours and styles are not allowed. ‘Hoodies’ are unacceptable.

Summer Dress

Under conditions of glorious British weather the rules governing dress are modified as follows:

• Boys may remove their blazer and leave it in their locker or other safe place while they are at school.  They must wear it when they travel to and from home.
• In very hot weather, boys will be told that they may leave their blazer at home and travel to and from school without it.
• At times when blazers are not worn, pullovers will not be worn.
• Ties will be worn at all times.

Games and PE Kit

On days with timetabled PE/Games lessons students may arrive in kit. This does not apply for extracurricular or after-school sport.

• Navy/white reversible rugby shirt with the School crest
• Navy rugby shorts
• Navy/white hooped rugby socks 
• Rugby / football boots (rugby or football boots can be worn for both sports)
• Navy/white PE polo top with the School crest
• Navy/white PE shorts
• Plain white socks
• Two pairs of training shoes will be required - one suitable for gymnasium activities in the Sports Hall and the other to be used for outdoor activities such as running.

Kit for Games and PE:

• Navy tracksuit top and bottoms
• Navy base shorts (optional)
• Navy base leggings (optional)

Accessories:

• Mouthguard (needed for rugby in the Autumn Term)
• Shin pads

Purchasing

We recognise that the cost of school uniform can place a financial burden on families. For this reason, we aim to keep uniform requirements as straightforward and cost-effective as possible while maintaining standards. In line with current DfE guidance on school uniform, the number of compulsory branded items has been kept to a minimum. Where branded items are required, we work with Direct Clothing as our uniform supplier. This partnership has been chosen with affordability in mind, ensuring that items are available at a consistent and competitive price while maintaining appropriate quality and durability. There are also a number of non-branded but competitively priced shirts and more on Direct Clothing and all generic items of school uniform can be purchased from most high street stores.

Direct Clothing BWS link

BWSPA Uniform Shop

The BWSPA (Parents' Association) run a uniform shop for pre-loved BWS kit. Sales are held each term in the Uniform Shop in number 11. A parent message will be sent out prior to each sale. If you are able to donate to the uniform shop please leave donations in reception at any time. 

Stationery and Equipment

Exercise books, text books and specialist equipment are generally provided by the school however all students are expected to carry a standard pencil case of supplies to all lessons. Revision books for use at GCSE and A-level can often be purchased through the school at discounted prices and may be free to students in receipt of Pupil Premium.

Standard BWS pencil case includes: 

• Two black or blue pens for everyday written work
• One green pen for self-assessment and responding to feedback
• At least one HB pencil
• An eraser
• A pencil sharpener
• A 30 cm ruler (preferably transparent)
• A scientific calculator suitable for GCSE courses (the Casio Classwiz FX991CW is recommended).
• A geometry set, including protractor and pair of compasses
• One or two highlighters for revision and annotation
• A 30cm mini-white board and two dry-wipe board pens and a small cloth or eraser

Students may also find it useful to carry:

• A glue stick
• A small set of coloured pencils for diagrams and maps

Why whiteboards?
Mini whiteboards are increasingly used in lessons as a simple way for all students to practise answers, check understanding and respond to questions quickly. Because responses can be written, shown and erased within seconds, they encourage participation from every student and allow teachers to identify misconceptions immediately. This supports active learning and helps ensure that all pupils are keeping pace with the lesson.