Uniform & Equipment
Northern Education Trust believes that students learn most effectively and achieve their best outcomes when they are comfortable, able to be themselves, and are dressed in such a way that sets an appropriate tone for education.
A consistent academy uniform policy is vital to promote the ethos of the academy and provide a sense of belonging and identity for all students, regardless of their protected characteristics or socio-economic circumstances.
Our uniform policy lays out the measures taken to ensure a consistent, fair and inclusive uniform policy; to implement a uniform that reflects the needs of all students; and a uniform that is affordable and the best value for money for the academy and students’ parents/carers.
A copy of our academy uniform policy and uniform checklist including PE kit requirements can be found in the links below.
Please see below a letter regarding changes to school uniform from September 2026.
Equipment
We expect that students always bring the following items into the academy:
- A suitable school bag
- Need to Know book
- Planner
- Books (supplied by the academy)
- Stationery – Pen, pencil and ruler
Students must wear full academy uniform at all times when they are within the academy or on an academy visit, unless otherwise stated.
- Essa Blazer – to be worn at all times.
- Essa Tie – to be worn at all times.
- White Shirt – top button fastened.
- Plain Black Trousers/Skirt – no ‘skinny trousers’.
- All skirts should be around or below knee level – pleated or straight only (not tight fitted)
- Socks – only black socks may be worn. Leggings are not allowed (even under a skirt)
- Headwear – must be black.
- Plain Black Shoes – leather (or imitation leather)
- No markings, silver buckles, branded items, boots and trainers
- Belts – Black with buckles only width of belt.
- Essa Black Tank Top/Jumper – this is compulsory
Information on ordering uniform:
The uniform supplier for Essa Academy is:
Whittakers Schoolwear,
106 Deansgate, Bolton, BL1 1BD
www.whittakersschoolwear.co.uk
Smart Schoolwear
Units 5/6/7, Black Horse St, Bolton, BL11SY
www.smartschoolwear.co.uk
Equipment
All students must have a school bag with planner, and a pencil case with black pen, pencil, eraser, and ruler. The bag must be large enough to carry A4 size books, and PE uniform when required. Having these items allows for the smooth running of lessons and no lesson time is wasted as students are ready to learn.
Jewellery and Make-up
No jewellery, piercings of any kind, make-up, false eyelashes, acrylic nails, or nail varnish allowed. No exceptions. A wrist watch is the only item students are now able to wear and it must not be a smart watch.
Mobile Devices
Mobile phones/smartwatches and other electronic technology must be always switched off on the academy site, kept out of view and remain switched off until students exit the academy site at the end of the day. If a child is seen with any of the items above in the school, they will be confiscated, placed in the safe, and will only be returned to a parent/carer at the end of the academy day.
Hair Styles
Hair styles must be simple, and any hair colouring must look natural. The academy does not permit hairstyles that reflect the extremes of fashion – unnatural or extravagant colours, extensions, beads, or designs cut into the hair are not permitted.
The PE Uniform
Supplier for The Essa Academy is:
Whittakers Schoolwear,
106 Deansgate, Bolton, BL1 1BD
www.whittakersschoolwear.co.uk
Smart Schoolwear
Units 5/6/7, Black Horse St, Bolton, BL11SY
www.smartschoolwear.co.uk
PE Uniform Boys
- Essa Academy Short Sleeve T Shirt
- Essa Academy PE Shorts and or Essa
- Track Pants
- Essa Academy Football Socks
- Trainers
PE Uniform Girls
- Essa Academy Short Sleeve T Shirt
- Essa Academy PE Shorts
- Essa Academy Track Pants
- Essa Academy Girls PE leggings
- Essa Academy Football Socks
- Optional – Essa Academy 1⁄4 Zip