Emmanuel students will soon be sporting a new look following a change of uniform supplier.

 

The change will also see a uniform and sportswear shop opening at College where families will be able to buy new items and replace old ones.

 

Principal Jonathan Winch said: "Students' blazer badge and tie for Years 7-11 will change to reflect our new, more modern branding but the major changes are that we have a new supplier and will have a shop in College.

 

"Our uniform has always been an extremely important feature of Emmanuel and our students receive many compliments for the way they look. This is the first major change we have undertaken in the 20 years since we opened.

 

"We have looked hard at alternative suppliers to ensure that the new uniform is higher quality and, crucially, at the same price or lower than before."

 

Mr Winch added: "In ensuring our students look smart, professional and have a pride in their appearance, we are determined to ensure that parents get the best quality and the best value for money in the supplier we use."

 

The new supplier - John Cheatle Group, which is the biggest independent schoolwear retailer in the UK - will provide new uniform to all four schools sponsored by the Emmanuel Schools Foundation.

 

Manager Mark Buchanan, who carried out a nationwide analysis of schoolwear suppliers to find the best, explained: "The purchasing power of the Foundation in buying on behalf of four schools means that our 5,500 students benefit from reduced prices.

 

"We have spent many months not only working on the new designs but also seeking the very best supplier we can in terms of quality and cost. We also believe the School Shop will be a huge benefit to parents."

 

The School Shop will be operated by John Cheatle Group and will open at Emmanuel before the new uniform is introduced in September this year, offering the full range of uniform and sports items as well as telephone and online ordering services.

 

Any parents who have recently bought new items in the old style uniform will have up to two years to change, except where compulsory changes currently exist, so that students get maximum use out of newly purchased items.

 

Students in certain year groups will also receive a free new-style tie to kick-start the new look.

 

Families will still have the opportunity to source basic uniform items, such as white shirts and socks, themselves, although those provided by John Cheatle Group are aimed at being competitive with supermarket prices.