Kings Tirana School Uniform & Appearance Policy

1. Purpose

This Policy establishes the standards governing student dress and appearance at Kings Tirana. It aims to promote a safe, inclusive, professional and distraction-free learning environment while fostering a shared sense of identity, belonging and pride in the School community.

2. Scope

This Policy applies to all students enrolled at Kings Tirana and to all School activities unless otherwise determined by the School.

The compulsory uniform requirement shall be introduced progressively as follows:

• School Uniform is compulsory for students in Years 1–6.
• The compulsory requirement shall extend by one additional year group at the start of each subsequent academic year until it applies to all year groups.
• Students in year groups where the uniform is not yet compulsory are encouraged to wear the School uniform voluntarily.

3. Core Principles

The School Uniform is intended to:

• promote equality and inclusion;
• minimise unnecessary social distinctions;
• strengthen students' sense of belonging to the School community;
• maintain a professional learning environment;
• ensure consistency in student appearance;
• support student safety and identification; and
• uphold the School's political, religious and ideological neutrality.

4. Types of Uniform

Kings Tirana has three categories of approved uniform.

4.1 School Uniform

The standard School Uniform is the normal daily uniform and is compulsory in accordance with the phased implementation of this Policy.

4.2 Physical Education (PE) Uniform

The PE Uniform shall be worn during Physical Education lessons, sporting activities and other occasions designated by the School.

4.3 House Uniform

Kings Tirana operates a House system to promote participation, leadership and community spirit.

Students are encouraged to wear the approved House Uniform:

• on Fridays;
• during House competitions and activities; and
• on any other day designated by the School.

Where the House Uniform is designated, it replaces the standard School Uniform for that day unless the School communicates otherwise.

5. Uniform Requirements

Students required to wear School Uniform shall:

• wear only approved Kings Tirana uniform items;
• wear the uniform correctly and as intended;
• keep all uniform items clean and in good condition;
• wear appropriate footwear specified by the School;
• replace worn or damaged uniform within a reasonable period.

Students may not modify the approved uniform or combine it with non-approved clothing unless authorised by the School.

6. Appearance Standards

Students are expected to present themselves in a neat, clean and appropriate manner at all times.

Hair, grooming and personal appearance should be appropriate for a professional educational environment.

The School may prohibit styles or accessories that compromise safety, significantly disrupt learning or are otherwise inconsistent with this Policy.

7. Jewellery and Accessories

Jewellery should be kept to a minimum.

Unless otherwise authorised by the School, students may wear:

• one pair of plain stud earrings;
• a wristwatch.

The following are not permitted:

• hoop earrings;
• facial piercings;
• necklaces worn outside clothing;
• bracelets or similar decorative accessories;
• smart devices or accessories that may disrupt learning;
• any item that presents a health or safety risk.

Jewellery may be required to be removed during PE or other practical activities.

8. Political, Religious and Ideological Neutrality

Kings Tirana is a secular school that maintains a politically, religiously and ideologically neutral educational environment.

Students shall not wear clothing, accessories, symbols or messages that communicate, promote or oppose political, religious or ideological affiliation. This includes, but is not limited to:

• slogans or messages;
• political or religious symbols;
• badges or insignia;
• garments intentionally worn to express political, religious or ideological affiliation;
• clothing displaying offensive, discriminatory or inappropriate content.

The School reserves the right to determine whether an item is inconsistent with this principle of neutrality.

9. Uniform Waivers and Exemptions

The School recognises that exceptional circumstances may occasionally prevent compliance with this Policy.

Temporary Waivers

Temporary waivers may be granted for reasons including:

• medical circumstances;
• delayed delivery or replacement of uniform;
• exceptional family circumstances;
• other reasons considered appropriate by the School.

Requests should normally be submitted before the student's attendance whenever reasonably practicable.

Long-Term Exemptions

Long-term exemptions may be granted where supported by:

• medical evidence;
• disability or accessibility requirements;
• legal obligations;
• other exceptional circumstances.

Waivers and exemptions shall be approved by the Academic Principal or another authorised member of the Senior Leadership Team.

10. Non-Compliance

Students are expected to comply with this Policy unless a waiver or exemption has been approved.

Where a student attends School without the required uniform and no waiver has been requested or granted, the School will normally:

• remind the student of the uniform requirements;
• notify the parent or guardian where appropriate;
• provide an opportunity for the matter to be rectified; and
• issue no more than two warnings before continued non-compliance is treated as a refusal to comply with a reasonable School instruction.

The School's response shall always be proportionate, taking into account the student's age, previous compliance and individual circumstances.

11. Refusal of Admission

Students will normally be admitted to School while the warning process is being followed.

Where a student:

• continues to attend without the required uniform after the warning process;
• has not obtained an approved waiver or exemption; and
• refuses to comply with reasonable instructions issued under this Policy,

the School may determine that the student is refusing to comply with a lawful School requirement. In such circumstances:

• the matter shall be managed under the School's Behaviour Policy; and
• the School may refuse admission until the student complies with this Policy.

Any decision to refuse admission shall be made by the Academic Principal, or another member of the Senior Leadership Team acting under delegated authority.

12. Roles and Responsibilities

Students

Students are responsible for wearing the approved uniform correctly and complying with this Policy.

Parents and Guardians

Parents are responsible for ensuring that students attend School in the correct uniform and for requesting any necessary waiver or exemption.

School

The School is responsible for applying this Policy consistently, fairly and proportionately and for communicating any designated House or PE uniform days.

13. Monitoring

Compliance with this Policy shall be monitored by the School Leadership Team. Patterns of non-compliance may be reviewed to ensure consistent application and to identify any support that individual students or families may require.

14. Review

This Policy shall be reviewed annually or earlier where changes in legislation, School operations or governance require.

15. Version Control