STRABANE ACADEMY

UNIFORM POLICY

Date reviewed by Board of Governors

Wednesday, 15th June 2016

Uniform plays a valuable role in contributing to the unique character of our school. It can instil pride and encourage identity with, and support for, our school ethos. Though uniform can seem expensive, it is sensible, practical and, with care, can last for some time.

A uniform list with details of suppliers is issued to parents each academic year.

For safekeeping it is essential that all items of clothing and equipment are clearly marked with the owner’s name.

It is the policy of Strabane Academy that:

  1. All pupils wear the official school uniform as outlined in the uniform regulations below.
  2. Incorrect uniform will be dealt with through the School Positive Behaviour Policy
  3. The school will be sensitive to the needs of different cultures, races and religions and try to accommodate these needs within its uniform policy.
  1. The Uniform Policy will be reviewed annually

Uniform Regulations

  1. Full school uniform, including Blazers, must be worn at all times, including travelling to and from school and when representing the school at external events or functions. School or approved charity badges only may be worn.
  1. Only the school scarf is permitted to be worn. Scarves or outdoor coats should not be worn indoors.
  1. Top buttons should be fastened at all times, shirts tucked into waistbands and ties should be properly knotted; tight to the neck and waist length. Clip on ties will be issued for continual non-compliance of this rule.
  1. The jewellery permitted is a watch and a single bracelet and not more than one small stud earring in each ear lobe; this applies to both girls and boys. Nose, eyebrow, tongue, lip piercings or additional earrings are totally unacceptable with school uniform.Any infringements of this rule will result in parents being called and asked to arrange for the piercing to be removed. In the interests of safety all jewellery must be removed during ALL sporting activities.

Only clear nail varnish is permitted.

  1. (a) Discreet make-up may only be worn by Years 11-14. Any pupil found wearing excessive make-up will be asked to remove it using hypo-allergenic wipes.

(b) Boys are expected to be clean shaven. Where there are clear religious or cultural reasons for growing a beard, a letter from the religious leader of the pupil, outlining these reasons, should be sent to the Chairman of the Board of Governors.

  1. The school will deem what is appropriate with regard to uniform including:

(a) The presentation of hair: unnatural hair colours / colour combinations and extreme hairstyles are not permitted, hair accessories must be discreet and coloured navy/black only, hair should be kept neat and tidy at all times.

(b) The length of girls’ skirts; any girl wearing a non-regulation length skirt will be required to replace it. Regulation is knee length (see below).

  1. The parents of pupils who arrive for school not wearing the official uniform will be contacted and in the first instance asked to bring in the correct uniform. If this is not forthcoming the pupil may be sent home.
  1. All personal belongings, i.e. clothing, sportswear, books, etc. should be clearly marked with the owner’s name. Pupils are responsible for the safekeeping of their own property.

The school uniform can be purchased from the following stockists:

Kemps, Newtownstewart

Mark James, Strabane

The P.E. Kit is supplied by O’Neill’s and can be obtained using an order form which can be collected from either school office.

Boys’ Uniform / Girls’ Uniform
Single-breasted, French Blue Blazer
School Tie
Plain White Shirt (Years 8 - 12)
Sky Blue Shirt (Years 13 & 14)
Plain V-necked, mid-grey Jumper (Cardigans
may not be worn)
Black Trousers
Dark Socks
School Scarf
Plain Black Shoes (**see below for further
guidance on footwear)
Plain Navy or Black Outdoor Coat. Coats must be bought large enough to be worn over blazers in cold or wet weather. No slogans or panels of other colours. Coats should be neither leather nor denim. / Single-breasted, French Blue Blazer
School Tie
Plain White Shirt (Years 8 - 12)
Sky Blue Shirt (Years 13 & 14)
(Girls’ may wear blouses during the summer
term)
Plain V-necked, mid-grey Jumper (Cardigans
may not be worn)
* Mid-grey, knee length, pleated school skirt.
Plain Grey three quarter length Socks or Plain Black, opaque Tights
School Scarf
Plain Black Shoes (**see below for further
guidance on footwear)
Plain Navy or Black Outdoor Coat. Coats must be bought large enough to be worn over blazers in cold or wet weather. No slogans or panels of other colours. Coats should be neither leather nor denim
Boys’ P E Kit / Girls’ P E Kit
Polo Shirt / Rugby Top
(please note polo shirt is not suitable for rugby)
Shorts/Tracksuit Bottoms
Socks
Optional
Squad Top (1/4 zip)
Hoodie
Contact top (shower proof) / Polo Shirt
Shorts /Skort/Tracksuit Bottoms
Socks
Optional
Squad Top (1/4 zip)
Hoodie
Contact top (shower proof)
Please Note:
Please note that pupils will be asked to replace any item of uniform which does not conform to school regulations
Information and application forms regarding a school uniform/physical education clothing grant can be obtained from the Education Authority, Western Region website:
or by phoning (028) 82411411.

*Guidance on skirt length:

‘Knee length’ means when the skirt is worn buttoned at the waist and the girl is standing upright (not bending forward), the skirt must touch the knees.

Many girls grow over the course of the year and this should be taken into consideration when purchasing a skirt so that it can last the whole year.

**Footwear regulations

We would like to draw the attention of parents/guardians to the importance of buying regulation footwear for pupils.

School shoes must be plain black leather / leather look, laced, with strap or slip-on shoes.

For reasons of Health and Safety, maximum heel height is 3cms,measured on the outside of the heel, and must be block / cone heels.

Trainers must not be worn except for PE / Sports.

Please note: the following do not conform to school regulations and must not be purchased to be worn with school uniform:

  • platform shoes;
  • suede or patent leather shoes;
  • canvas or other textile shoes;
  • shoes with stiletto, kitten or narrow wedge heels;
  • shoes with decorative additions such as bows, metal studs or eyelets, large buckles, chains, patent or suede trims or coloured sections

In recent years ballet pumps have been popular with girls. From experience we have found that these shoes tend to lack the necessary support / sturdiness to last for any appreciable length of time. We would therefore advise against purchasing this type of shoe.

Parents of pupils whose shoes do not conform to school regulations will be asked to purchase new shoes immediately.