At Crookhorn, we take great pride in the College community and the sense of belonging our students feel when they walk through our gates. A key part of that identity is our uniform, which helps set a tone of equality and high expectations.

We are currently reviewing our College uniform policy to ensure it remains affordable, practical and aligned with the Department for Education’s updated statutory guidance on school uniforms, which requires schools to limit the number of compulsory branded items from September 2026. As part of this process, we want to gather feedback from parents, carers, students and staff so that any changes we make reflect the needs and views of our College community.

The purpose of this consultation is to share the potential changes we are considering, explain the reasons behind them, and invite your views before any decisions are finalised. Your feedback is important and will help us ensure that our uniform remains good value for money, comfortable for students, inclusive, and suitable for all seasons.

1.  Changing the Navy Pullover/Tank Top to Optional

Currently, the College uniform includes a navy pullover/tank top with the College crest as a compulsory item during Autumn and Spring.  We propose that this becomes an optional item.  Removing this as a compulsory item helps reduce uniform costs for families by between £19 - £30 per year, supports the Department for Education’s guidance on minimising the number of branded items, and ensures that students are not required to buy an item they may only wear for part of the year.

2. Introducing Grey Knee‑Length Tailored Shorts (Optional)

We propose introducing grey knee-length tailored school shorts as an optional item to be worn by students. Over recent years, hotter weather during the school day has made traditional uniform items less comfortable. Offering tailored school shorts also supports inclusivity by giving students an additional choice of a smart, practical alternative to trousers whilst maintaining high standards of appearance.

3. Offering a Clip‑On Tie Option

We would like your views on introducing a clip-on tie option to our uniform.  A clip‑on tie can improve the consistency of appearance, as all students’ ties remain the correct length and can also benefit younger or neurodivergent students who find standard ties difficult to fasten. We are seeking views on whether this should be an option or a replacement.  Please indicate on the survey whether you feel this should be in addition to a standard tie, instead of a standard tie, or if we should continue with only offering a standard tie.  Please note there is currently a £1 additional cost for a clip-on tie.

4. Introducing Optional Branded PE Shorts

We propose offering branded PE shorts as an optional item.  Currently, the requirements for PE shorts are plain black sports shorts with no branding and not cycling shorts.  Introducing branded PE shorts as an optional ensures no added cost for families who prefer the current arrangement, while offering an alternative for those who want a fully branded PE kit.

5. Updating the Footwear Requirement

We would welcome your views on our current footwear policy.  Currently, students are required to wear low‑heeled, traditional black leather school shoes with no sports logos. Feedback suggests that sourcing suitable shoes without logos can be difficult and sometimes costly, and often requires families to purchase footwear that cannot be worn outside of College.

We propose updating the policy to allow sturdy, plain black leather or leather‑look footwear without prominent branding. This would include shoes, trainers and ankle boots.  Footwear that would continue to not be acceptable includes:

• Leather trainers any colour other than black.
• Items with prominent logos, including trainers with logos in contrasting colours.
• High‑heeled shoes or stiletto heels.
• Canvas shoes including trainers which are a mix of leather and other materials.
• Backless shoes (including Crocs).

This change would offer greater flexibility, support affordability, and maintain a smart and consistent appearance.

6. Allowing House T‑Shirts on Extreme Heat Days

Recent heatwaves have required temporary adjustments to our uniform expectations for student safety and comfort.  This has included blazers and ties being optional and, on occasion, the wearing of PE kit.  We are aware that if these extreme hot days last for more than a couple, it impacts on students being able to change for PE and having to do additional washing mid-week.  Allowing House T‑shirts on extreme heat days reduces the need for mid‑week PE kit washing and provides a practical, cool alternative while still keeping students identifiable and aligned with College standards.

We would like to invite everyone to take part in this consultation, even if you don’t have any concerns about the changes.  Please complete our online survey so you can:

• Give feedback on each proposed change to our policy
• Suggest additional changes to our policy
• Indicate any proposed changes you think we should discard

You can access it via the Uniform Consultation Survey link or by visiting the College website, where you are able to view our current uniform requirements. You can also inform us of your views via email to consultation@crookhorn.hants.sch.uk.  The consultation will run for a period of 3 weeks between 12 February 2026 and 5 March 2026.

Yours sincerely
Mrs S Bennett
Headteacher