New uniform for Academy pupils

The Bedford Academy will be officially opened on Friday 10th September. In readiness for the new school year, pupils were invited to collect their new Academy uniforms on Thursday 26th August.

Here are some of the views from those who will be wearing the new Bedford Academy badge:


Jasmine and MumJasmine Gooding, aged 14, who will join year 10 in September 2010.

Karen Gooding, Jasmine's mother, said:  “With 5 children, 4 of them educated at the school, I had become concerned and was considering whether to send my fifth child to the school.  The staff are good but over the last few years the school had got a bad name and that had begun to stick.  It was on a downward spiral with less people choosing to send their children here.  The Bedford Academy should give the school the leg up it needed and encourage others to send their children here.  The Bedford Academy is excellent news and a very exciting time for the children and the school.

“I like the school uniform that has now been introduced.  It will take the competition of what to wear each day away from the students and their parents.”

Jasmine added:

“I have always liked this school and hope and it will even better now.  I think the uniform is a good idea.”


AbigailAbigail Ford, aged 14, who will join year 10 in September 2010.

Janey Ford, Abigail's mother, said:  “I can see lots of opportunities for students with Bedford Academy and it is needed in this area.  The children here need to have a boost to their expectations.

“I am really impressed with the uniform.  It's good that the students will all be wearing the same uniform and that they will look so smart.”

Abigail added:

“I'm especially looking forward to the enrichment classes at Bedford Academy and sport and to starting at the Academy this year.  The uniform is ok so far!”


CameronCameron Cain, aged 13, will join year 9 in September 2010.

Donna Cain, Cameron's mother, said:  “The Bedford Academy is a good idea, especially for this area.  The uniform is an excellent idea and looks really smart.”

Cameron added:

“I'm really excited about joining Bedford Academy.  I'm looking forward to the enrichment classes, especially PE.  The uniform looks good and I like the design.”


 

ConnorConnor Andrews, aged 15, will join year 11 in September 2010.

Carol Andrews, Connor's mother, said:  “The students are to learn so for me it doesn't matter what the school is called as long as they do well.  It's very helpful to many people to have the free uniform, especially for those whose children are in the last year of having to wear uniform.  It would have been a huge expense for one year.”

Connor added:  “Hopefully the Bedford Academy will mean we will get more help in lessons and that will be a good thing.  The uniform is a good idea but I would have preferred to use my own bag rather than the school uniform version.”


Q & A


1) What does the FREE supplied uniform comprise?

Blazer

Shirt / Blouse

Tie (Boys only)

Trousers / Skirt

V Neck Jumper

Sports Top

P.E. Polo Shirt

P.E. Short

P.E. Sock

Track Bottom

School Bag


2) How much has the uniform cost for each pupil?

Approx. £110 (varies by size)


3) Will uniform wearing be compulsory for all pupils come the new term?

Yes, uniform wearing will be compulsory.  Sixth formers will not wear the uniform, but will be expected to dress in smart office wear.


4) Where will they buy the uniform in future - a local shop? via a school shop? or via an online service?

There will be a uniform shop at the Academy.  Parents and carers will also be able to place orders via the phone. From next year when parents are purchasing the uniform they will be able to purchase cheaper non brand-specific items of clothing from other retail outlets - thus keeping the cost reasonable. There will be a re-cycling section of school shop and fund to aid those who cannot afford key items.