25 September 2026

Dear Parents and Carers,

Re: Pupil Searches and Additional Uniform Expectations

Further to the letter sent to parents and carers on 11 February 2026, we are writing to clarify our procedures regarding pupil searches and to provide further information about an additional measure that will help us maintain a safe learning environment for all members of our school community.

As previously communicated, where there are reasonable grounds to suspect that a pupil may be in possession of a prohibited or banned item, authorised members of staff have the legal power to search a pupil or their belongings. Parental consent is not required for a search to be carried out under these circumstances.

These powers are provided to schools to help ensure the safety and wellbeing of all

pupils and staff.

As outlined in our previous correspondence, if a pupil refuses to allow a search of their bag or refuses to be searched when requested by an authorised member of staff:

On the first occasion, the pupil will be placed in the Internal Exclusion Room (IER).
On any subsequent occasion, the refusal will result in a suspension from school.

In any instance where we believe the refusal of a search places persons in our school at immediate risk of harm, we will contact the police for advice. We have recently identified an increasing number of pupils wearing multiple pairs of trousers, for example jogging bottoms underneath their school trousers. There is no legitimate reason for pupils to wear additional trousers beneath their school

uniform during the school day, and we have found that, in some cases, this practice is being used to conceal prohibited items.

Where a member of staff identifies that a pupil is wearing multiple pairs of trousers, the pupil will be directed to an appropriate changing facility and asked to remove the additional layer. Any non-uniform trousers removed in these circumstances will be confiscated and returned in accordance with the school's behaviour and confiscation procedures.

Should a pupil refuse to comply with this reasonable instruction, the matter will be treated in exactly the same way as a refusal to submit to a search:

● First refusal: Placement in the Internal Exclusion Room (IER).

● Any subsequent refusal: Suspension from school.

These measures are not intended to be punitive but are designed to support our overriding responsibility to safeguard all pupils and staff and to ensure that our school remains a safe, calm and orderly place to learn.

We appreciate the continued support of parents and carers in reinforcing these expectations with your child. By working together, we can maintain a safe environment where all pupils are able to live life to the full.

Yours sincerely

Mr A Ellul

Headteacher

Mr Wills

Assistant Headteacher