Uniform

At Cowes Enterprise College we believe in establishing a culture of behaviour that supports learning.

This is reflected in our expectations of personal appearance and attitudes to learning and in terms of the standards and aspirations we have for our students.

We believe that a smart appearance helps develop a sense of pride which reflects in a more positive approach to work and behaviour.

It is students’ responsibility to wear their uniform correctly to show respect for the academy, including on the way to and from school.

Our uniform provider is The School Shop (https://iwuniform.co.uk/collections/cowes-enterprise-college). They are a trusted provider offering high-quality garments, a user-friendly online ordering system, and efficient delivery.

Letter regarding New Uniform for September 2025 sent 10.06.2025Download

Students joining Year 7 in September 2025 should only wear the new uniform, as outlined below, which includes our CEC logo jumper and CEC logo polo shirt.

There are no changes to the existing PE uniform and details of this can be found further down this page.

Year 7 students should not be wearing shirts, blouses, blazers, ties or tartan kilts or items from the old CEC uniform.

To ensure new students are fully equipped for the start of term, incoming Year 7 students will be prioritised for uniform orders.

The academy logo black jumper, academy logo polo shirt and academy PE top are branded and only available from The School Shop https://iwuniform.co.uk/.

Black trousers, smart black shorts, black pleated skirts and plain white polo shirts can be purchased more widely, such as from supermarkets, independent retailers and second-hand shops (subject to availability).

Sometimes good condition second hand Cowes Enterprise College branded academy uniform can be found in second hand retailers.

Please note that plain white polo shirts may be worn beneath the CEC logo jumper. If students do not intend to wear their jumper, such as in the warmer months, they must be wearing a CEC logo polo shirt.

For students who will be in Year 8, Year 9, Year 10 or Year 11 from September 2025, please see below.

  • There are no compulsory uniform changes for existing students — current uniform items remain acceptable
  • Families have the option to move to the new uniform if they prefer
  • We recognise that, during the transition, there may be a mix of old and new uniform items
  • All students must always wear at least one clearly identifiable item of school clothing; this could be a logoed garment and/or a tie/kilt featuring our distinctive school tartan
  • There are no changes to the existing PE uniform and details of this can be found further down this page

The academy logo black jumper and academy logo polo shirt are branded and only available from The School Shop https://iwuniform.co.uk/.

Black trousers, smart black shorts, black pleated skirts and plain white polo shirts can be purchased more widely, such as from supermarkets, independent retailers and second-hand shops (subject to availability).

Sometimes good condition second hand Cowes Enterprise College branded academy uniform can be found in second hand retailers.

The academy blazer, academy tie and academy kilt are branded and are no longer available to purchase.

Please note that plain white polo shirts may be worn beneath the CEC logo jumper. If students do not intend to wear their jumper, such as in the warmer months, they must be wearing a CEC logo polo shirt.

The uppermost layer of CEC uniform must clearly show a logo. For Year 7 this can be their CEC logo black jumper or their CEC logo polo. For students in Years 8, 9, 10 and 11 this can be the CEC logo black jumper, the CEC logo polo or items from the old uniform including: white shirt or blouse ONLY if worn with blazer and/or tie OR worn with an academy tartan kilt, plain black v-neck jumper ONLY if worn with blazer and/or tie OR if worn with an academy tartan kilt.

There are no changes to the existing PE uniform and details of this can be found further down this page.

Uniform Survey Feedback – April 2025Download

The information below applies to current Cowes Enterprise College students for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Please refer to the information above for September 2025 onwards.

Required uniformOptional alternative
College blazer, can be worn or carried.
Students must carry their blazer to demonstrate they have it with them as they will be expected to wear it on certain specific occasions and it is important that every student has one CEC crested item of uniform for safeguarding purposes both on and off site.
A plain black ‘V’ neck pullover (absolutely no logos) may also be worn.
Smart black trousers, must be loose-fitting and about the same width from knee to ankle, not skinny fit or cropped length.An academy kilt or smart black shorts. Both worn at knee length or below, unless worn with plain black tights or plain black leggings underneath.
White collared shirt, tucked in.A white revered collared blouse, tucked in.

Academy tie is optional for students.
Plain black or white knee or ankle socks or tights (trainer socks are not allowed).
Plain black school shoes or trainers (absolutely no logos). Boots, heels, open toes, sling-backs etc. are not acceptable.
Jewellery must not be worn.
No facial piercings.		One simple stud or sleeper may be worn in the lobe of each ear.
A wristwatch may be worn. Smart watches are not allowed.
Make-up must not be visible.

Hairstyles should be moderate and appropriate for school.  
Hair dye is not recommended for children at secondary school age. However, if used, hair colour should remain natural and not undermine our high standards of appearance.

Haircuts which are less than grade 1, markings, tramlines or symbols are not allowed

Notwithstanding the above, Cowes Enterprise College explicitly protects students and staff who come to school with natural hair and protected hairstyles associated with their racial, ethnic and cultural identities.
Please contact the Academy if you think that this might apply to your child.
Nail varnish must only be clear in colour and no false nails of any description are permitted.

The academy blazer, academy tie and academy kilt are branded and are no longer available to purchase.

Sometimes good condition second hand Cowes Enterprise College branded academy uniform can be found in second hand retailers.

Black trousers, smart black shorts, black V neck pullover, white shirts and blouses, socks, tights, plain black shoes and trainers can be purchased more widely, such as from supermarkets, independent retailers and second hand shops (subject to availability).

Please note the plain black ‘V’ neck pullover is required more so in the colder months of the year, this is not a requirement all year round.

UPDATE for September 2025

The PE uniform remains unchanged following our uniform consultation.

From September 2025 the only item of branded PE kit is the Academy black and red polo shirt which is only available from The School Shop https://iwuniform.co.uk/ (from 16th June 2025).

Essential PE ItemsAlternative
Academy black and red polo shirt 
Plain black shorts (not including cycle shorts)Academy black shorts

As an alternative to black shorts, students may wear either academy leggings with the CEC logo, or plain black jogging bottoms.
Red or plain black sports socks 
White or black ankle socks for indoor or outdoor for summer activities 
Non-marking trainers (separated from school shoes) 
Football or rugby boots for the 3G pitch (please see below – Essential footwear for the 3G Pitch) 
Shin pads 
Hair tie 
Earing tape (if they can’t be removed) 
Update June 2025

The academy branded black shorts and academy branded PE leggings are no longer available to purchase.

Plain black track bottoms, black or red socks, non-marked trainers, football boots and shin pads can be purchased more widely, such as from supermarkets and independent retailers.

Sometimes good condition second hand Cowes Enterprise College branded academy uniform can be found in second hand retailers.

Optional uniform

  • A plain black crew neck jumper or V neck black jumper can be worn.
  • Gum shield (for contact sports)

Please note hoodies and sports-branded items of clothing are not accepted as PE kit

The following items should be brought every day.

  • A sensible school bag (rucksacks are ideal) that is big enough to take an A4 exercise book without damaging it
  • A pencil case containing:
  • Black or blue pen (at least two)
  • Pencil(s) and sharpener
  • A red pen (for corrections)
  • Eraser
  • Ruler
  • Protractor
  • Set square
  • Pair of compasses
  • Glue stick
  • A scientific calculator – we recommend Casio fx-83GTCW

Optional alternative

  • It is desirable to have coloured pens/pencils and highlighter pens
  • For sixth form students studying mathematics at A Level, we recommend a Casio TI84+ graphical calculator
  • For those with long hair, a method of tying hair back for practical activities in science or technology
  • A bottle for water – Students are encouraged to drink and may keep a suitable bottle of water on their desk, they can be filled from water dispensers around the academy – flavoured waters, fizzy or sugary drinks are not allowed in lessons