School Uniform Update: New Government Guidance on Branded Items June 2026

At Q3 Academy Langley, we are committed to maintaining high standards while ensuring our uniform remains affordable, inclusive, and accessible for all families.

We are writing to share an important update following new guidance from the Department for Education (DfE) on the number of branded items schools can require.

What is changing nationally?

From September 2026, government guidance states that schools:

Must limit compulsory branded uniform items to a maximum of three
Secondary schools may require a fourth branded item if this is a tie (or cravat).

A branded item is defined as any item with a school logo or one that must be purchased from a specific supplier.

What this means at Q3 Langley

In line with this new guidance, Q3 Academy Langley will operate within the permitted limit of four branded items.

These are:

Q3 Tie or Cravat – all other Business Dress items will move to be non-branded
Q3 Macron Coat – which can act as an overlayer for PE/Enrichment or extra-curricular
Q3 Macron Bag
Q3 Macron T-shirt (PE)

These items have been carefully chosen because they are:

Durable and long-lasting
Central to maintaining our school identity and standards
Items where branding adds clarity, consistency, and value

All other elements of the uniform can be purchased from a range of retailers, allowing families greater flexibility and choice.

We will have Uniform Plus and Macron attending the academy in person six times a year – at four Parents’ Consultation Evenings and two new pop-up events meaning access each ½ term.

Why these changes matter

The new DfE expectations are designed to:

Reduce the overall cost of school uniform
Give families more flexibility in where they shop
Ensure no student feels disadvantaged due to cost

Nationally, some schools previously required significantly more branded items, which increased costs for families. [educationh...log.gov.uk]

Our approach at Q3 Langley

Our approach remains rooted in our core values:

High expectations – students take pride in their appearance
Equity and inclusion – uniform should be accessible to all
Clarity for families – simple, consistent expectations

We will also continue to:

Provide access to second-hand uniform options which we do via our Ethos Hub accessible all year round
Support families where cost may be a concern which we have consistently done since we opened in 2016
Communicate clearly and well in advance of any future changes

What do parents need to do?

There is no immediate action required from families. All existing uniform is absolutely fine to still wear / hand down to younger family members.

This update is to ensure transparency and give clarity ahead of the national implementation from September 2026.

Our commitment

At Q3 Langley, we believe uniform should promote:

Belonging
Pride
Equity for every student

These national changes support that vision—and we are proud to implement them in a way that remains true to our ethos:

To seek for what is good, right and true.

As a Parent/Carer of a student to Q3 Academy Langley, you will require the following uniform which is supplied by:

Uniforms Plus: 935 Walsall Road, Birmingham, B42 1TN
The School Uniform Merchant: 127 High Street, Tipton, DY4 9JE

Uniform Examples

Academy PE Kit

As a Parent/Carer of a student to Q3 Academy Langley, you will require the following P.E. Kit which is supplied by Macron:

1 Outer Macron Coat

1 Macron PE top

1 Navy shorts or tracksuit bottoms (non Macron / Q3 branding is allowed)

1 Pair of Navy Socks (non Macron / Q3 branding is allowed)

1 Pair any colour/brand – suitable for PE activities

You can purchase these items by visiting: Unit 65 Basepoint Business Centre, Bromsgrove Enterprise Park, Isidore Road, Bromsgrove B60 3ET. Please find more details below, as well as a link to their online store. Please contact them using the attached contact number. 01527 888911

Pre-loved uniform and/P.E. kit can be provided to families if you contact your child’s P.L.D. subject to availability. We operate an Ethos Hub – that is open during our four Parents’ Consultation Evenings during the academic year where items can be donated or sourced as well. In all cases please contact the academy to see if we can help out at any time to support your child wearing the correct items.

Any issues or queries please contact Reception or your child’s P.L.D.