Uniform suppliers warn of possible delays

Our uniform suppliers Simmonds have been working hard over the summer to fulfil all orders for uniforms so that they are ready for September.

Unfortunately, the supply chain has been significantly impacted by COVID-19, resulting in a shortage of the British-made bespoke tartan used in both our lower-school kilt and upper-school straight skirt.

We are sorry to say that it is very likely that some students will not have their new skirts in time for the start of the school year.

With this in mind, Simmonds have agreed to provide affected students impacted by the delay, with a free alternative skirt to wear to school whilst the fabric mill and skirt manufacturer catch up with placed orders. Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9) students, who do not get their kilts in time, will be provided with a free navy pleated skirt.

Affected Key Stage 4 students (Years 10-11) will be entitled to a plain navy skirt. If you have ordered multiple skirts, the offer applies to the total amount ordered (i.e. if you have ordered two skirts you will be entitled to two free plain skirts). Once you have received your tartan skirt, please use that in place of the blue one that Simmonds has provided.

Simmonds will be in contact with parents and carers who have already ordered and are likely to be impacted. Nevertheless, please give them a call if you have concerns or queries.

Weald Headteacher Mrs Bone said: "I would like to thank Simmonds, both for the work they have done behind the scenes to minimise the impact of this issue and for their offer of an alternative whilst we await delivery of the correct skirts.
"Lockdown has impacted negatively on many businesses, so I’m sure you will, like me, be impressed by the customer service Simmonds is demonstrating in light of these economically challenging times."

This issue aside, there are no changes to our expectations in relation to uniform that were sent to parents and carers at the end of the last school term.