THOUSANDS of pounds has been set aside to buy existing Neale-Wade students a new uniform as part of the ongoing drive to raise standards at the Academy.

Polo tops and sweatshirts are out and instead the uniform will be smartened up with blazers for all and a white shirt and tie for the boys.

Girls will wear an open neck blouse-style shirt with no ties.

Mr Wing said: “Professional attire is linked to raising aspirations which then feeds in to raising standards within the school.

“We feel it is really important to grow the sense of community and pride by having a smart dress code.”

A massive money pot has been filled by the Academy Learning Trust ready to help parents at the school buy the new set of clothes ready for when the switch is made in the Autumn term in September.

About 1,300 students who are currently in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 will be bought a pair of black trousers, burgundy jumper and black blazer.

Boys will be provided with a tie.

Parents will only need to buy white shirts.

Internet uniform specialists, Sportswear International, which offers schools a loyalty reward scheme on purchases, will come into the Neale-Wade to fit every child with their new clothing in the coming weeks.

There will then be two exchange evenings for anyone whose uniform does not fit once it arrives.

Students currently in Year 6 who will be going to the Neale-Wade in September will not have their uniform funded but they will be invited to two open evenings in May where they will be measured for correct fit.

Parents can buy on the night or can buy online at a later date.

The school PE kit will remain the same but at some point will be switched to a lighter weight more modern fabric.