School Uniform and Equipment

Uniform Update

In light of the proposed national changes to school uniform guidance regarding branded items, MARK Education Trust has carried out a full review of uniform expectations across all our schools. As part of this process, new uniform requirements will come into effect at Uplands Academy from September 2026.

These updates ensure our uniform remains affordable, accessible and sustainable, while continuing to reflect our high standards, expectations and core values.

The Uplands Academy uniform policy for September 2026 can be found in the downloads section below.

Changes from September 2026:

From September 2026, the following uniform items will be updated for students at Uplands Academy:

• Blazers will no longer be compulsory and will no longer be stocked by our supplier.
• An Uplands Academy jumper will become the required item in place of a blazer.
• A new black jumper with coloured piping and the Uplands Academy crest will be available.
• There will no longer be a dedicated Year 7 tie.
• All students joining the school will be required to wear the new Uplands Academy tie, which replaces the previous tie system.
• Existing Uplands Academy jumpers may continue to be worn, however new or replacement jumpers must be the updated version from September 2026.

Please note: the new Uplands Academy jumper will be available to pre-order from our uniform supplier, Monkhouse Schoolwear, from Friday 5 June, but this item will not arrive in stock until August. Parents will be notified by email when their order has been dispatched, and only one delivery charge will apply.

The deadline date for online orders to be delivered before September is Sunday 16 August. Home delivery is free for orders over £85.00.

To support families, current students may continue wearing their existing uniform next year, although all replacement items should follow the new style from September 2026.

All new Year 7 students and all other new joiners will be required to wear the updated uniform items from September 2026.

You can read the full uniform update here: Uplands Academy Uniform Update

Further information and a full Uniform & Equipment Policy, including images and detailed requirements, will be published in Term 6.

Our uniform reflects our high standards, expectations, motto and core values and is designed with all students in mind and is smart, comfortable and economical.

Uniform is one of the outward signs by which the local community recognises our students and it is important that our students present themselves in a positive, professional way that conveys a disciplined and well-ordered learning environment. Smart uniform ensures that all students are prepared for work both in school and beyond. 

Students arriving at school without the correct uniform will be offered appropriate uniform to wear. Students can be returned home with parental consent. If uniform is unable to be corrected, learners may be withdrawn from lessons for the day. It is parents’ responsibility to ensure that their child changes into appropriate school uniform so that they can be readmitted to school.

We expect parents to endorse these principles and support the school to ensure the uniform policy applies to every student in Years 7 to 11. All studenrs are required to wear their school uniform on our school site, both inside and outside the school buildings. The uniform should be neat and clean, communicating that our learners take pride in belonging to an Academy within MARK Education Trust.

Specialist subjects such as the Sciences, Art and Technology may require protective clothing, about which staff will advise students. If a student does not wear the recommended protective clothing, the school cannot accept responsibility for any damage to other clothing.

Uniform Supplier

Uplands Academy uniform can currently be purchased online from Monkhouse Schoolwear. A number of basic uniform items can also be purchased from high street retailers specialising in school uniform.

Monkhouse Schoolwear Specialists provides both an online shopping option and an in-store experience at their store in Tunbridge Wells (formerly Simmonds & Sons), located on Calverley Road. They also provide useful services such as 1-to-1 store appointments, email updates, lower prices on essential uniform items and extended free returns.

Sign up to Monkhouse emails to be informed about exclusive discounts and promotions and general information.

Monkhouse sign up

Book an in-store fitting at your local Tunbridge Wells store

Second-Hand Uniform Provision

Our school works with a local charity shop Celia Hammond Animal Trust who sell second-hand Uplands Academy school uniform. Parents/carers are also invited to donate their child’s uniform when they no longer need it to the charity shop.

The “Ready to Learn” Contract

All students are expected to arrive punctually each day correctly equipped for all lessons and ready to learn.

Uplands Academy expects all students to be polite, co-operative and to show respect for all members of the community.

At the end of the day we all help others by leaving rooms tidy with chairs on desks.

Please see the full list of uniform and equipment requirements below.