School Uniform

Following the Department for Education’s new statutory guidance on the cost of school uniforms, we have made several changes to our uniform and PE kit, which will come into effect from September 2026. 

To support families during the ongoing cost of living crisis, we have reduced the number of compulsory TCAbranded items and increased the range of unbranded alternatives. These unbranded options can be purchased from any retailer, helping to keep uniform costs as low as possible. 

Key Change – New Skirt Design 

One of the most notable changes is the introduction of a new black pleated skirt to replace the TCA branded straight skirt. This design has been chosen because it provides: 

  • Improved comfort and mobility, ideal for active students 

  • Ease of movement in lessons and during breaktimes 

  • A smart, modest, and consistent appearance 

  • Durable, easycare fabric that keeps its shape after frequent washing. 

Transition Period 

Although a few items are being discontinuedall existing uniform items may continue to be worn by current students until July 2027, after which date, discontinued items will be fully phased out. 

New Students joining us from September 2026 must wear the new uniform as outlined below.  

If you have any questions regarding uniform, please do not hesitate to contact us.  

School uniform creates a sense of belonging and pride for the school in which our students attend. We are incredibly proud of our uniform as it was chosen by our students, and we thank parents for their support in ensuring it is worn with consistency at all times on the school premises and whilst travelling to and from school.  

  • Jewellery is limited to one pair of studs or sleeper earrings and one ring. No nose, tongue or eyebrow studs, necklaces or bracelets 
  • No false nails of any kind, and no nail polish
  • No false eye lashes
  • No extreme haircuts (e.g. no tracks, dramatic layers or extremely short shaved hair). Hair colour should be of a natural tone
  • Outdoor coats must not be worn inside the school. They can be stored inside tutor rooms or carried inside a bag
  • Subtle make-up is acceptable

The school has four items of branded compulsory uniform. The school blazer, tie, sports t-shirt and sports bottoms.

Please note, black school trousers are required for all students, however, should students prefer to wear a skirt or shorts, these are optional, and must be purchased from PMG school shop as they are school logo branded. 

All Students must have:

  • School embroidered blazer
  • White shirt 
  • School tie† 
  • Plus, one or more of the following
    - Smart black tailored trousers

    - Black, knee length pleated skirt
    - Black tailored bermuda shorts, no shorter than 1 inch above the knee (no cargo shorts)
  • Black ankle socks (non-branded) or tights (without holes) No knee high socks 
  • Smart substantial shoes.  Please see additional guidance below
  • An outdoor coat during wet/ cold weather

Students may choose to have: 

  • School embroidered or plain V-neck  grey school jumper
  • White base layer to be worn under school shirts, these must be plain and not visible at the neck or sleeve line

Which shoes are acceptable?

Black, smart, substantial shoes that protect the feet fully.

Plimsolls, boots, high heels, canvas, soft fabric, suede/suedette, velvet, sandals or trainer style shoes are not acceptable and are not adequate footwear in inclement weather.  They are also insufficient protection in technology and science lessons.  Trainers or trainer style are not permitted. 

PE Uniform

For P.E. students must have: 

  • School embroidered sports t-shirt† 
  • School embroidered sports bottoms (shorts, leggings or jogging bottoms† 
  • Suitable trainers (no high tops or converse shoes) 

For P.E. students may choose to have:

  • Spare socks
  • School embroidered jumper or zip jacket†  
  • Black base layer top and trousers for warmth during winter months, worn underneath the compulsory items listed above
  • Blue/white football socks (compulsory when representing the school in football)
  • Sport Bra

Earrings must be removed for PE lessons, so we advise not wearing to school on PE days. Please do not time piercings with school time, as the period of non-removal following a piercing will impact on PE lessons. Hairbands are essential for long hair.

† To be purchase from PMG Schoolwear

Wearing of uniform

First impressions matter, and wearing the school uniform smartly helps set a positive tone for the day. We expect all students to wear their uniform neatly and with care, and our systems are in place to support this consistently. 

We pay particular attention to the following: shirts should be tucked in, skirts worn at their intended length (not rolled up), blazers should be on, and jewellery kept within the school’s guidelines. Students should also avoid wearing tights with holes, as attention to these details helps uphold the high standards we expect of all our students. 

How to Purchase Uniform

All uniform Items can be purchased from

PMG Schoolwear,
85 High St  Poole,
Dorset BH15 1AH

TEL: 01202 686688

Uniform and PE Uniforms can be purchsed here:

PMG Schoolwear

Second Hand TCA Uniform

Facebook: The Cornerstone Academy Uniform Sell/Swap Group.

This group supports with selling/ swapping/ requesting/ donating any uniform for The Cornerstone Academy. 

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