Hi everyone

Jesmond Park Academy have now issued new uniform guidance regarding school coats. This has been issued as from next year schools will only be allowed three required branded items of clothing.

The school no longer requires students to wear a JPA branded coat, however they have stated that students will be required to wear a plain black coat. Additionally, padded coats are not allowed. Coats are allowed to have reflectors on and students may wear a high vis item on top of their coat. Students that do not conform will face punishment.

This updated requirement is wholly unacceptable. Reflective bands can serve as a useful addition to a light coloured coat but are not significant on their own. The highway code advises pedestrians and cyclists to wear light-colored, bright, or fluorescent clothing, not reflectors. 

Additionally, not allowing students to wear a padded coat in winter in the North of England is nothing short of barbaric. There is no good reason for students to wear a thin, black coat on the journey to and from school.

This uniform policy directly contradicts government guidance to schools. I have contacted the school to try and arrange a meeting in the new year to discuss this. If you and your child have been affected by this issue and feel you would be able to come to a meeting to try and find a better way forward please contact me directly - mairi@js.me.uk.

Hope to hear back from you

Mairi