Uniform & Appearance Policy

March 2016

Uniform and Appearance Policy

At Saint Michael’s we believe that school uniform, which is encouraged by the DfE, plays an important part in establishing the ethos and high standards of the school in a number of ways:

  • It promotes effective teaching and learning and helps pupils make a distinction between work and leisure times.
  • It supports discipline and good behaviour.
  • It protects children from social pressures to dress in a particular way.
  • It encourages identity with the school and helps promote a sense of community.
  • It encourages all members of the school community to have a sense of pride in their school.
  • It is not a prohibitive factor for any family applying for a place at Saint Michael’s. (School Admissions Code 2012).

At Saint Michael’s the appearance of pupils is an important factor in promoting good behaviour and ensuring the health and safety of pupils and staff.

The Government, although it has published guidance relating to school uniform, has made it clear that it is for the school’s Governing Body to decide on the uniform and other rules relating to appearance.

Uniform Code

The uniform code is appended to this document.

The Governors are satisfied that the school’s uniform policy conforms to the most recent Government Guidelines.

The issue of best value has been demonstrated by:

  • Comparing our prices with those of other schools.
  • Ensuring the quality of uniform garments so that they wash well and maintain a good appearance over time. The school’s preferred supplier provides such items of uniform.
  • Ensuring availability locally.
  • Reviewing costings annually to maintain good value for money.
  • The uniform is published in the prospectus annually and also in pupil Personal Organisers and the school website.
  • The school does vary the policy to meet the needs of individual pupils with medical conditions.
  • The school gives financial help for uniform to families in need.

Uniform List

Outdoor Clothing

Coats:Plain black coat or fleece with no exterior markings or logo (except for reflectors). Hip length at least. (No denim, suede or leather material)

Scarves: Only plain black. (No football scarves or hats)

Indoor Clothing

Blazers: / Maroon badged blazer as supplied by the school preferred supplier JADA.
Jumper: / Optional. Lower School Years 7 – 8 Maroon ‘V’ neck with school crest
Upper School Years 9, 10 & 11 Black ‘V’ neck with school crest. (Pupils moving into Y9 in June 2016 may wear either colour for this year only)
Shirt: / White, traditional style, good quality with stiff collar. Shirts must be tucked in to waistbands at all times.
Tie: / School crested clip-on tie. Years 7 & 8 Maroon. Years 9, 10 & 11 Black. (Pupils moving into Y9 in June 2016 may wear either colour for this year only)
Girls Trousers: / Regulation (badged for year 7 from 2013 onwards) trousers supplied by the school preferred supplier JADA, these are the only trousers which are acceptable.
Girls Skirts: / Regulation (badged for year 7 from 2013 onwards) skirt supplied by the school preferred supplier JADA, this is the only skirt which is acceptable. Skirts no more than 3 inches from the knee. Skirt waistbands must not be rolled over. Shorts should not be worn under a skirt.
Socks: / Black, plain with no motifs for under trousers. White ankle socks or white knee length socks for girls wearing skirts or black opaque tights (minimum 40 denier). Over the knee socks or trainer socks are not permitted.
Boys Trousers: / Black, not skinny fit, plain traditional style, high waisted, polyester/wool mixture. Underwear must not be visible. Belts should be black with a discreet buckle.
Shoes: / Black, traditional style. By this we mean that boots, trainers or ‘trainer style’, pump style, suede or canvas material are all not permitted. Black laces if lace-ups. Heels no higher than 3”. No logos/colour flashes, therefore brands such as Vans, Converse and such like are also not permitted. If you are unsure on the suitability of a shoe please feel free to contact school before purchasing or alternatively you can see pictures of suitable footwear on the school website.
Hair: / This must be of a naturally occurring shade. No shaven heads or lines cut into the hair. Plain hair bands/slides-black only.
Jewellery: / Must not be worn apart from a wristwatch.
Make Up: / Make Up is not permitted in years 7-10. Nail Varnish and false nails are not permitted.

Catering Apron: Plain white.

Boys’ PE year 7-11

NEW STYLE Maroon Shorts Plain Black joggers (used for dance too)

(with printed initials).

NEW STYLE Maroon Rugby ShirtFootball boots

(with printed initials)

NEW STYLE Maroon football socks Shin Pads

NEW STYLE Maroon Polo

(with printed initials - used for dance too) Trainers

Girls’ PE year 7-11

NEW STYLE Maroon Shorts NEW STYLE Maroon PE socks

(with printed initials)

Maroon Sweatshirt with logo Trainers

NEW STYLE Maroon Polo

(with printed initials - used for dance too)

Plain Black joggers/leggings

(used for dance too)

Gum Shields (recommended)

All items of uniform can be purchased from the school uniform preferred supplier - JADA apart from shirts and boys trousers which can be purchased from any supplier.

Ties must be worn and shirts should have their top button fastened and be neatly tucked into trousers or skirt.

The school will be the final arbiter regarding the suitability of dress and appearance.

The uniform and appearance policy is strictly enforced. Every opportunity will be given for pupils to conform to the uniform policy and rectify any identified issues.

Minor breaches of uniform or appearance will result in a lunch time detention. This sanction will be increased for persistent offenders and parents will be asked to support their child in meeting the uniform and appearance code.

The school may ask a parent/carer if they are able to bring an item of uniform in so to rectify any breach of the uniform regulations. If this is not possible, the pupils will do their lessons in the Personal Guidance Unit until such time as they conform to the policy.

Schools can refuse to allow a student to come into school for failing to wear the uniform or maintain the appearance required by the school. Persistent breach of the uniform regulations could result in a fixed term exclusion from school.

Reviewed April 2016 JFC