Uniform
Importance of the School Uniform
The School attaches particular importance to the dress and appearance of pupils and our precise expectations are set out in the School Uniform Policy.
Students must at all times be conscious of looking smart and professional. The uniform requirements apply equally all-year round. Uniform should be worn with pride You will be a representative of the School every time you wear your uniform in public.
How to Purchase School Uniform
Uniform and other essential school items can now be purchased online via the School website by clicking here: https://whsforboys.shoptill-e.com Select the size and quantity required and click ‘Add to basket’. Selections can be reviewed at any time by clicking on the basket icon. When your order is complete use the ‘Proceed to Payment’ button from the basket. When filling in student details please ensure that your son or daughter’s full name and Form Group are included. Online orders will, under normal circumstances, be available for students to collect from the School Uniform Shop within two School days of submission. Students will be notified when their orders are ready via an email home. There is no postage option for uniform orders that are placed online.
Please note that online orders should NOT be placed for new Year 7 students prior to joining the School as it is likely that the wrong size will be ordered. Those students joining Year 7 are required to attend fitting sessions held in the School Uniform Shop towards the end of the Summer Term prior to joining the School in September. Parents/guardians should click on The School Uniform Shop tab under the New Year 7 Entrants subheading within the Secure Parents Area of the School website for further details.
School Uniform Shop Opening Hours
The School UniformShop, located in the East Basement, will normally open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:30 – 13:30 during term time and on specified dates/times at the end of the School’s summer break prior to the start of the new academic year. When open, items of uniform can be tried on for size and purchases made. Cash, cheque and debit/credit card payments will be accepted.
The School Uniform Shop will be open for the summer holidays between Wednesday 28 August and Friday 30 August from 10.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. for fittings and purchase of school uniform for years 8-13. For items of uniform required in a size that is not normally stocked by the shop please contact the School Uniform Shop via e-mail: uniform@whsb.essex.sch.uk.
Second-Hand Uniform
We are pleased to advise parents that the School Shop is increasing provision of second-hand uniform. The stock of second-hand is now at a better level, and those interested in purchasing items should contact the School Shop in the usual way. Mrs Gimbutiene, the Shop Manager, will be very happy to assist.
If you have any clean, unwanted uniform which you wish to donate to the School, please bring it to Reception. Funds raised from the sale of second-hand uniform are donated to the School.
Practical Lessons
An apron will be provided by the School to protect a pupil’s clothes in Science and Technology lessons. Pupils are also asked to provide protective clothing for Art Lessons. The Head of Art will be pleased to offer advice.
Other Equipment
Pupils entering the School are also asked to bring with them:
· Pocket English dictionary/thesaurus
· French/German/Spanish dictionaries (as appropriate)
· Scientific calculator (Casio fx-83GT PLUS recommended)
· Laboratory coat (to protect clothes in Science Lessons)
· A pen, pencil, rubber, ruler and pencil sharpener
· A pencil case with coloured pencils
· A bag or rucksack (suitable for carrying books)
· Geometrical drawing instruments (including a protractor and a pair of compasses)
· A watch!
School Uniform Policy and Consultation
Thank you to all those who took the time to read our revised School Uniform Policy, and in particular those who responded to the consultation questionnaire over the summer. Your feedback is of great value to the School.
There were many positive comments, and it is gratifying to read that for so many, the WHSB uniform remains a source of genuine pride.
Naturally, there were a number of less positive responses which the School duly take note of, and will give consideration to. The main areas attracting concern were the cost and suitability of some PE kit items, and the provision of second-hand uniform.
A full review of the PE kit list will conducted.
Second-hand provision is already an area of focus for the School. In the last academic year, we referenced our intention to improve the provision, the first stage of which was to collect items from pupil and students moving up, and on, this summer. The stock of second-hand is now at a better level, and those interested in purchasing items should contact the School Shop in the usual way. Mrs Gimbutiene, the Shop Manager, will be very happy to assist.