Our Uniform  

The Duston School uniform is integral to our approach. Pupils should wear their uniform with pride, signifying that they are ready to learn. Our uniform approach promotes inclusivity and supports our purposeful learning environment. It is one of the outward signs by which the local community recognises and makes judgments about the pupils. It is important for pupils and the school that the way pupils present themselves is positive and acceptable and supports a well ordered and smart establishment. It is expected that all pupils will come to The Duston School every day correct uniform as we want our students take pride and belonging to the school. The support of parents in ensuring this is expected. These items listed form the regulation Duston School uniform and must be worn on a daily basis. Items marked with an asterix must be purchased from the school uniform stockist.

Items marked with an asterisk* must be purchased from the school uniform stockist.  There is 1 compulsory logoed item in the Primary phase and 3 in the Secondary phase. Other logoed items are optional, and the acceptable alternatives are stated. The TDS rucksack can be purchased directly from the school via ParentPay.

Secondary Phase:

• The Duston School black blazer* with school badge plus year colour flash
• The Duston School V necked sleeveless jumper with school badge*
• Years 7 to 10 to wear a sky-blue shirt, Year 11 to wear a white shirt.
• Black trousers, worn at the waist or
• Black pleated school skirt of free-flowing nature that is knee length. Pencil and tube skirts are not permitted.
• Leggings are not permitted other than for PE.
• Plain black socks.
• Flat, black leather/leatherette shoes that can be polished – this includes patent shoes and black leather trainer shoes (eg Nike Air Force Ones). Trainers that are fabric/suede are not allowed other than for PE lessons.
• The allocated house badge (provided by the school free of charge).
• The TDS rucksack or a plain black non-branded rucksack.
• A pencil case containing two black pens, one green pen, one pencil, one rubber and one ruler.
• Pupils are only permitted to wear one item of each type of jewellery, eg one set of earrings and one ring and one bracelet.
• Acrylic nails, or other types of nail extensions, must not be worn to school. Nails must be kept short and be of a natural colour.
• Metal facial piercings are not permitted. Where there has been a piercing, pupils should wear a clear, flat retainer. Piercings should not be carried out in term time as they take 6 weeks to heal. This should be done at the very start of the summer holidays.
• Extreme hair colours are not permissible. Pupils should have hair that is a natural hair colour.
• Make up should be natural in appearance and large false eyelashes should not be worn.
• Coats, hats and scarves should not be worn inside the school building.
• Hair coverings are not permitted other than for religious purposes.
• The school will take note of religious exceptions and make adaptations as necessary

Sixth Form:

Sixth Form students are expected to wear office attire as detailed below in the dress code:

        • Collared and sleeved shirt or collared and sleeved blouse

        • Smart office jacket or blazer (optional)

        • Smart office shoes or boots (black or brown leather/leatherette)

        • Smart office tailored trousers, tailored dresses or skirts (skirts or dresses should be on or below the knee)

        • Smart office jumper can be worn over the top of collared shirt or collared blouse.

        • Discreet jewellery (pair of earrings, single nose stud)

       • TDS lanyard with photo ID (provided by the school). Photo ID sticker will need to be worn at all times if the lanyard is forgotten.

Dress Code Breach – Not allowed within school:

       • Coats/Hats/Scarves whilst in the school building.

       • Extreme hair styles/colours.

       • Shavings/markings cut into hair or eyebrows.

       • Excessive jewellery not permitted as above.

       • Polo shirts.

       • Leggings/Jeans.

       • Trainers or Converse style shoes or DM boots.

       • Leather or Denim Clothing.

       • Large logo on jumpers or tops.

       • Tube Skirts.

       • Large logo on jumpers or tops.

       • Bodycon, jersey or t-shirt style dresses.

      • Non-collared and non-sleeved tops.

Physical Education Uniform:

Secondary Phase:

• TDS logoed royal blue polo shirt*.
• TDS logoed royal blue sweatshirt (optional) or plain black unhooded sweatshirt with no tassels.
• Plain black loose-fitting shorts. Cycling or Lycra style shorts are not permitted.
• Plain black tracksuit bottoms or leggings appropriate for sports. (Leggings should be fully opaque)
• Plain royal blue football socks for use in winter games i.e. football.
• Plain white sport socks for use in the summer and indoor activities.
• Shin pads for use in football and hockey.
• Trainers suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Casual and fashion trainers should be avoided.

Pupils will be advised during their PE lessons of any specific equipment requirements relevant to their programme of study, for example swimming kit, football boots or mouth guards

Information about second-hand uniform:

The Duston School, working in Partnership with Duston Parish Council, is accepts donations of clean, good condition school uniform items as part of our ongoing commitment to supporting our school community.

If you have any pre-loved uniform items that your child has outgrown or no longer needs, we would be very grateful to receive them.

Donations can be dropped off at either of the following locations:

The Duston School Reception (during term time only)

Or

The Bargain Shop, Duston Community Centre, Pendle Road, Duston NN5 6DT (near Limehurst Square)

Drop-off Hours: Monday to Friday 9-3 pm

All donated items will be sorted and made available for purchase at The Bargain Shop offering an affordable option for families and helping to reduce waste through reuse. Any monies raised from this will go directly to The Air Ambulance Charity. Donated Primary Phase uniform is also available from the primary phase reception.