The Anglican Central Education Authority (ACEA) has published its 2026 Student Handbook, introducing several new policies and important updates designed to keep pace with evolving technology, strengthen student safety, and provide clearer guidance for students, parents, and staff across all ACEA schools.
The revised handbook builds on the previous 2025 edition with expanded sections addressing personal technology use, student-athlete expectations, social media conduct, and refined admission and appearance standards. Below is a summary of the most significant changes parents and students should know about ahead of the new school year.
New Personal Technology Policies
In response to rapidly changing technology, the 2026 handbook introduces a dedicated Personal Listening Devices and Wearable Audio Technology policy. AirPods, wireless and wired earbuds, over-ear and on-ear headphones, bone-conduction devices, clip-on and ear-cuff devices, smart glasses, single-ear Bluetooth devices, and similar emerging technologies are now prohibited during the school day, with violations subject to confiscation and further disciplinary action.
New Student-Athletic Policy of Participation
The 2026 handbook also debuts a formal Student-Athletic Policy of Participation, establishing a shared commitment between ACEA, student-athletes, parents, and coaches. Student-athletes must maintain a minimum 60% grade average to participate in school sports, alongside expectations for sportsmanship, attendance, and physical and mental wellness. The policy also introduces a residency (sit-out) year for transferring athletes, who will generally be ineligible to compete for one academic year following a transfer, except by special approval from the Director of Education and the Principal.
Refreshed Grooming and Personal Appearance Standards
The handbook’s grooming policy has been significantly expanded and reorganized into a more detailed Hair, Grooming, Jewellery and Personal Appearance section. Notable updates include a reduced maximum hair length for male students, an expanded list of prohibited hairstyles for both male and female students, and a new medical accommodation process allowing students to request exemptions with supporting documentation from a physician. New facial appearance standards addressing eyebrows, eyelashes, and facial jewellery have also been added.
These updates reflect ACEA’s ongoing commitment to providing a safe, faith-centered, and well-structured learning environment for every student. Parents and students are strongly encouraged to read the full 2026 Student Handbook for complete details on all policies, procedures, and expectations for the coming school year.
Read the full 2026 ACEA Student Handbook here.
For questions about the updated handbook, please contact your school’s administration office.
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