School Uniform Letter 2026

Knox Academy consulted widely in March 2026 on school uniform and agreed that although the traditional school uniform of shirt, tie, black trousers/skirt and black shoes/trainers, it would be beneficial to widen the options so pupils could either continue to wear the traditional uniform or any items on our newly agreed and consulted on list. Pupils can therefore choose to wear any of the following to school:

In relation to health and safety and agreed as part of the consultation, hooded tops of any description will not be acceptable dress code (this includes Knox Academy sports hooded tops or Knox Choir hooded tops, which should only be worn for sports/choir). Please do not purchase hooded tops for wearing to school. Often young people are tempted to wear their hoods up and this compromises everyone’s safety. We need to ensure that everyone’s faces are visible in and around the building at all times so we can keep everyone safe. 

We would ask for parental support with adhering to the agreed dress code items, as listed above in our Infographic, as this was what was agreed by our school community. 

Our hope is that the new uniform presents an inclusive approach, with the expectations for all year groups being the same (with the exception of blazers, which can be a choice for S5/6). Aspects of our uniform – zipped tops/sweatshirts and plain black/white t-shirts (with/without school embroidered badges on them) can be purchased from Leisure Time Sports. These are of a high quality and competitively priced. Uniform may also be purchased from any other retailers and all purchased uniform should be in the colours listed in our uniform dress code. We also have lots of spare uniform at the school, in all sizes and for free. If you would like to access this please contact your young person’s Pupil Support Leader. Financial support in buying school uniform is also available from East Lothian Council.

Health and Safety

Pupils will be requested to remove ties in practical subjects when the wearing of them might breach Health and Safety regulations e.g. during a science experiment.

To participate fully in PE and sport pupils need gym shoes, shorts, t-shirts and football/ rugby/hockey boots if possible.

Assistance with Provision of Clothing and Footwear

The Council operates a scheme of provision to ensure that a pupil is sufficiently and suitably clad, to take full advantage of the education provided.  Families in receipt of Income based Job Seekers’ Allowance or Income Support will qualify for such a scheme.  Other cases may be considered in the case of exceptional personal circumstances.  Parents who wish to apply for the scheme should complete an application form, which is available from the Department of Education & Children’s Services, Pupil Support, John Muir House, Haddington, EH41 3HA.

Valuables

Pupils are asked to hand money and/or valuables to PE Staff during PE. At other times, they should hand their valuables to the school office for safekeeping however, the school cannot guarantee total security.