Change can often evoke strong emotions, particularly when it touches on tradition and identity. I understand that any alteration to a familiar uniform can feel significant, and I want to reassure you that our new culottes are designed with both practicality and tradition in mind. I fully appreciate that for some, this conjures memories of culottes in the 1980s – a style I must admit I had not personally experienced! In reality, the change is subtle, the culottes look just like our existing skirt, only with fewer pleats. The aim is to provide our students with greater ease of movement while maintaining the smart appearance that defines Derby High. Schoolblazer has carefully designed and trialled the new culottes with students of different body types to ensure a well-fitting, comfortable, and inclusive uniform option.

At the heart of this update is our commitment to balancing tradition with practicality, ensuring that our students feel both comfortable and confident. I truly appreciate the feedback and conversations this change has prompted, it speaks to the deep sense of pride our community has in our school.

As always, thank you for your support as we continue to move forward together.

This week is Children’s Mental Health Week, a time to reflect on the importance of supporting young people’s emotional wellbeing. Many of you may have watched Inside Out 2 when it was released last year—I did, and I loved it. Not just because it is a fantastic film, but because its themes are so important. It beautifully captures the emotional rollercoaster of growing up, reminding us that all feelings have a role to play in our lives. As children become teenagers, their emotions grow more complex, and learning to understand and manage them is a crucial part of their development.

To read all of this week’s Senior High Notes, please click here.