Current News
16/06/09
ACADEMY UNIFORM ANNOUNCEMENT
Furness Academy secures fantastic uniform deal
Free items of uniform for all students
Families of students preparing to attend Furness Academy later this year do not have to worry about the cost of buying a new uniform - as most of it will be provided free of charge to students.
Under an agreement with the Academy’s new uniform supplier, Identity, and through a Department of Children, Schools and Families grant, nearly every element of the uniform will be provided at no cost to parents.
Academy Principal Douglas Blackledge said that he was delighted that the agreement had been put in place to remove financial concern parents may have regarding the purchase of the uniform.
“Parents and students have played an integral role in the development of the uniform. Not only have they shaped the design and look of the uniform, but we have also been working with them to come up with the best way to make it both easily available and affordable.
“While there was stiff competition with suppliers to produce the uniform, Identity offered to supply certain elements of the uniform free of charge as part of the uniform package. This, combined with the grant, has meant that that it will be practically free of charge. This is a fantastic deal,” said Douglas.
Under the agreement, students will be provided with their blazer, shirt or blouse and tie free of charge. Sports kit, including a PE top, game top, shorts and game socks are also included as part of the deal. Parents will be able to purchase other items, such as trousers, at a retailer of their choice.
A spokesperson from Identity said that they agreed to give substantial help to support the grant from DCSF, open to all students in September 2009, to remove any financial pressures.
“We wanted to ensure that we provided a good quality uniform that didn’t put any financial pressure on parents. We are a local business, and we are committed to providing the best service to students and parents,” said the spokesperson.
As part of the competitive pitch to become suppliers of the uniform, parents were also impressed by Identity’s organisation, the fact that their shop was easily accessible and their provision to deliver the uniform by the beginning of the summer. The quality of the uniform, particularly the PE kit, was remarked upon.
“Based on the feedback of students, the uniform will be predominantly black in colour, with white shirts or blouses. Girls will be able to choose between wearing trousers or a specially designed three pleat skirt,” said Douglas.
The Principal and sponsors are looking to work with the student council once the Academy is open to let the student body decide on whether they want a jumper, different ties for houses and a tracksuit for PE.
Peter McKay, Chair of Governors at Parkview School, said that the development of the uniform should be seen as the model of success for the Academy.
“I think that we will achieve the best possible results when the Academy works hand in hand with parents, pupils and local businesses.
“The process has been quite lengthy but the team have worked hard to make sure everyone has been as involved as possible and that the best deal for parents has been obtained from the supplier.”
Notes:
Students will receive an invitation to an event running from 4th -12th July to receive the free items of uniform and purchase additional items they may require. Further details will follow and a detailed uniform list will be provided at this time.
ALL STUDENTS (Y6 AND PREDECESSOR SCHOOL) will receive:
1 Blazer - Black - With Academy Logo
1 Blouse or Shirt - White - With Academy Logo
1 Tie - With Academy Logo
1 P.E. Top - Black / Silver - With Academy Logo
1 Games Top - Black / Silver - With Academy Logo
1 Shorts - Black - With Academy Logo
1 Games Socks - Black
The items listed above will be Funded by the Dcsf & Identity.
A Voucher will be issued to each student attending the
Furness Academy (for this September 2009 only)
Contract with Identity is for a 12 month period, after which it will be put out to tender again.
