As parents, friends and past students of Sandy Secondary School (from hereafter referred to as “SSS”) you will know that there are a strict set of rules that’s students must adhere to during their school day. 

As set out on page 5 of the School’s Uniform Policy you can see that earrings, amongst other items, are not permitted. Although in the Sixth Form Dress Code they are allowed to wear “subtle jewellery”, which would extend further than earrings. 

Whilst we can appreciate that large or extravagant earrings could indeed be a health and safety hazard, and possibly a distraction, a pair of small ear studs would be simple and subtle.

SSS’s affiliated school, Moggerhanger Primary School, have stated on page 7 of their Uniform and Policy Guidelines that “One small stud is allowed in each ear. We ask that these are just studs and are taped up or taken out for PE due to health and safety reasons.” Surely it would make sense for the same rule to apply at SSS if the reason against earrings is the same?

Furthermore, ear piercings, and therefore stud earrings, are a part of many cultural traditions and personal expressions. Accordingly, not allowing students to wear earrings at school can be perceived as a limitation on cultural expression and personal freedom. Allowing a simple pair of stud earrings will not disrupt the learning environment nor endanger the students. 

Whilst many people suggest that if children want to get their ears pierced, they should do it at the start of the summer holiday to allow the piercing/s to heal, but speak to any reputable piercing studio and they will tell you that 6 weeks is not enough time to allow them to heal fully. So what then? Don’t allow new piercings until our children leave school??

Therefore, this petition seeks to convince Sandy Secondary School to revise the stringent policy against the wearing of stud earrings in school for years 7-11. We believe that children should have the liberty to wear a simple pair of stud earrings, without it impacting their educational experience negatively. The policies need to be accommodating, equating safety with freedom of self-expression. 

We implore you to sign this petition, encouraging the inclusion of personal and cultural expression in our school.