Pupil voice on uniform for Years 7-11 at Dyffryn Taf In response to questions from pupils and parents/carers, we set up focus groups of pupils to look at issues with footwear and trousers. They came up with this guide on what we are looking for and not looking for. We want to be clear - this is not an endorsement of brands. However, we do want to show particular things which the pupils are already asking questions about. WE CANNOT POSSIBLY SHOW EVERY SHOE AND PAIR OF TROUSERS AVAILABLE! If you are not sure, please refer to this guide or check with the school before buying any items.

This is what they told us! Footwear We asked the pupils to give their views on a range of footwear, based on the following expectations: All black Smart and suitable for school Leather or leather look No excessive branding Looks more like a shoe than a trainer This is what they told us!

Clarks school shoe range Rufus Edge Youth Fine - clearly a shoe Scape Civic Youth Not acceptable - not made of leather or leather look. Looks more like a trainer than a shoe Street Spark Youth Fine - meets our expectations

Vans Vans ‘Old Skool’ Not acceptable - not leather/leather look Excessive branding Looks more like a trainer than a shoe Branding Vans black leather unisex Acceptable It is all black and leather It has a brand label but it is not excessive Some trainer styling e.g. the rubber strip, but on balance is more of a shoe than a trainer

Converse / ‘Cons’ Excessive branding. The whole thing is clearly more of a trainer than a shoe We could not find any Cons that would be acceptable. Cons One Star (also for Jack Purcells) Not acceptable. All black and leather. But, the branding is excessive and rubber toes will not be allowed, as they always make it look more like a trainer than a shoe. No rubber toes will be allowed

Adidas Black leather Gazelles Superstars Not acceptable due to rubber shell toe and branding. Clearly a trainer. Black leather Gazelles Stan Smiths would be acceptable assuming that trousers were worn correctly, i.e. with the hem meeting the footwear. The branding would almost all be hidden then, apart from the writing on the edge of the sole, which would not be easily seen. Branding Unacceptable - not all black due to lettering. Branding is too excessive. More of a trainer than a shoe Stan Smith

Nike These are clearly trainers rather than shoes. They are the wrong material too. Air Force One Branding Nike will often be unacceptable as they often have a lot of branding on them Would not be acceptable. Even though it is black leather, the excessive branding means it is more like a trainer than a shoe Huarache

Dr Marten’s These would not be acceptable as we are looking for shoes not boots. The yellow stitching is very visible and means they are not all black. Dr Marten’s shoes - Mono It might seem to be petty but since Dr. Marten’s make shoes for the same price with black stitching (Mono), we ask that you choose those if this is the brand you want. These fit every part of our expectations.

School trousers for September 2019 We hope this information will help you buy the appropriate school uniform for your child.

Plain charcoal grey tailored trousers (suit type) Of a length that reaches the shoes. Must not be rolled up. They should be made from a woven not knitted fabric. (jeans, cords, chinos, tracksuits, joggers, leggings, jeggings and other fashion style trousers are not permitted)

These styles are all examples of trousers that are acceptable These styles are all examples of trousers that are acceptable. They need to be in charcoal grey (dark grey) not black

Not acceptable Too tight Skinny and drainpipe trousers are not deemed smart tailored trousers.

Not acceptable Embellished trousers with studs, frills etc are not deemed plain, smart tailored trousers. This grey is also too light in colour

Not acceptable Leggings are not deemed smart tailored trousers They are made from a knitted material not a woven one.

Not acceptable Ankle grazers are not deemed as acceptable because they are too short as they don’t reach the shoe

Not acceptable These are jeans or jeans style and not smart tailored trousers. For tailored trousers think the sort of trousers that would be part of a suit.

Not acceptable Cargo trousers have large pockets on the legs. That means they are not smart tailored trousers.

Not acceptable These are made of a knitted fabric and are not smart tailored trousers

Charcoal=dark grey not black