Uniform and equipment

We believe that wearing a smart school uniform is an important sign that our pupils take pride in belonging to Ark Boulton Academy and are willing to take part in all aspects of school life.

It is expected that all pupils will travel to and from the academy every day in neat and clean uniform, giving the clear message to the public that our pupils take pride in belonging to the Academy.

Anyone who fails to do so will be sent home to change their uniform or kept out of lessons for the day.

The following items are branded and need to be purchased from our Uniform Supplier:

• Blazer
• Jumper 
• Tie
• T-shirt for PE

Additional uniform items include:

• White shirts (short or long sleeves)
• Skirt / trousers (navy)
• Navy jogging bottoms for PE
• Black tights or ankle socks (leggings are not be permitted)
• Plain black school shoes
• A school bag which is suitable for carrying books, pencil cases and any other items required for learning.

In 2020, Ark Schools launched a comprehensive Digital Strategy in response to the lessons learned during the COVID-19 crisis about the critical role of technology in education. As part of this initiative, every Ark pupil is loaned a Google Chromebook and granted access to the full suite of Office 365 applications, ensuring they can learn from anywhere in the world on any device.

For the 2024-25 academic year, our focus is on embedding digital learning to foster an engaging and adaptable learning environment. Our key objectives include:

• Increasing pupil uptake and use of digital devices: Ensuring all pupils across all year groups have access to and actively use their digital devices.
• Streamlining the distribution and maintenance of pupil devices: Implementing efficient protocols for device distribution, maintenance, and repairs.
• Enhancing pupil engagement with digital learning platforms: Promoting independent learning through digital platforms and encouraging pupils to actively participate in their digital learning.
• Embedding the use of digital devices in lessons: Ensuring pupils bring and use their devices daily to support their learning.

By leveraging these digital tools and resources, we aim to enhance the quality of learning, develop essential digital literacy skills, and foster pupils' independence in their learning journey.

Pupils and parents are asked to read and sign the ICT Home School Agreement before a Chromebook is issued. 

From January 2025, every pupil is required to bring their Chromebook to school each day to use during lessons as part of our ongoing commitment to enhance their educational experience through digital integration. 

We expect pupils to demonstrate pride in their work. The academy's presentation standards are a consistent expectation for all pieces of written work. To achieve this , all pupils are expected to bring their equipment to every lesson, to assessments and exams. This will be checked by Form Tutors every morning.

Equipment Required:

• 2 black pens
• 2 green pens
• Pencil
• Eraser
• Glue stick
• Ruler
• Highlighter
• Whiteboard pen
• Planner
• Core Knowledge book
• Academy loaned laptop (Chromebook)
• Backpack / Bag to carry A4 books and Academy laptop (Chromebook)
• Compasses and scissors are not permitted on site. These will be provided by class teachers where needed.

We ask that all clothing is named, including shoes, so that lost items can be returned to their owner. The school cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage of pupils’ property and valuables. All mislaid items are placed in the lost property box located in the school office. Please ask the school office if you wish to look through this box. We endeavour to return all named property, but give unclaimed lost property to a local children’s charity at the end of term.

Our uniform suppliers are Mansuri and Clive Mark

The closest stores are:

Mansuri Stratford Road Store, 764 Stratford Rd, Birmingham, B11 4BP

Telephone: 0121 778 2787

Clive Mark Schoolwear, Units 1-2 Anderton Road, Small Heath, B11 1TG

Telephone: 0121 459 4599

Second-hand items

Any unwanted items of uniform may be given to the school office. We host regular second-hand uniform sales where good quality items can be picked up for low cost.