Uniform Expectations
Introduction
It is our policy that all pupils wear uniform when attending school and when participating in school-organised events, both inside outside normal school hours. We keep the uniform to a minimum, allowing parents the flexibility to shop at the most cost-effective stores for easily accessible clothing.
Our policy on school uniform is based on the notion that school uniform:
- Helps to promote a sense of pride in the school
- Creates a sense of community and belonging towards the school
- Is practical and smart
- Prevents pupils from coming to school in fashion clothing, that could be distracting in class
- Makes pupils feel equal to their peers in terms of appearance
- Is regarded as suitable wear for school and good value for money
- Ensures pupils are easily recognisable when out on educational trips
Basic Requirements
Black or grey Trousers* or black or grey knee length skirt
White polo top or white shirt/blouse
Navy-blue sweatshirt, jumper or cardigan
Black shoes or plain black trainers
*joggers, leggings, and jeans (even black) are not considered part of the uniform
Footwear
Pupils should have a pair of black school shoes or plain black trainers that are comfortable and well fitting. Shoes with platform soles or high heels are unsuitable for school (either inside or outside) and should not be worn.
Any colour trainers are required for PE lessons and can be worn during lunchtime.
Jewellery
On health and safety grounds pupils are not allowed to wear jewellery in school. The exceptions to this rule are plain stud earrings in pierced ears and watches. Earrings must be removed for swimming but may, in some circumstances, be covered by tape or plasters for PE at school. Pupils having their ears pierced should do so at the beginning of the summer break if at all possible, so that if necessary they may be removed for PE or other activities.
Haircuts
Our school does not permit pupils to have ‘extreme’ haircuts that could serve as a distraction to themselves or to other children. Excessive amounts of hair gel should not be used for school and long hair should be tied back for PE and in some practical subjects.
Adjustments for seasonal weather
During periods of warmer weather, pupils are permitted to wear black or grey shorts of an appropriate thigh-length as part of the school uniform. In colder weather, our standard uniform remains suitable for indoor learning; however, we strongly encourage pupils to wear a coat when outdoors to ensure they are comfortable and appropriately dressed for the conditions. Any additional or exceptional adjustments to uniform requirements will be communicated to parents and carers at the time, in response to specific circumstances.
The Role of Parents
We believe that parents have a responsibility to send their children to school appropriately dressed and ready for their daily schoolwork, including providing a pair of trainers for PE. This responsibility means ensuring that their child has correct uniform, and that it is clean and in good repair. Parents and Carers have signed a Home School Agreement stating that they will support pupils to be dressed appropriately. The school politely requests that all uniform is named to aid quick identification and to reduce the amount of clothing lost. In the event of a difficulty with uniform the Parent or Carer should inform the school at the start of the day. This will enable staff to support the pupil appropriately.
Compliance Statement
This Uniform Expectations policy complies with the Department for Education’s statutory guidance on the cost of school uniforms, updated on 23 October 2025 under the Education (Guidance about Costs of School Uniforms) Act 2021. In line with this guidance, we ensure that the cost of our uniform is reasonable, branded items are kept to a minimum, parents have access to affordable options from multiple retailers, and second-hand uniform is available. Our approach supports equality, value for money, and accessibility for all families.
