Uniform

The wearing of an agreed uniform is an acknowledged and accepted part of life at English Martyrs and it is expected when applying for admission to the school that the parents endorse our uniform policy The school is proud of its reputation and by wearing appropriate school uniform it reinforces good levels of behaviour, high standards, which has an impact on overall learning.

It is our policy that all children should wear clothing that is in keeping with a purposeful learning ethos.  We also believe it is important that certain activities are facilitated by specialised and appropriate clothing when attending school.  We provide a complete list of the items needed for children’s school uniform in this policy and in our school prospectus. All items are clearly labelled. Parents can purchase the school uniform from the stockists listed below.

Our policy for children’s school uniform is based on the belief that a school uniform:

• Promotes a sense of pride in the school
• Engenders a feeling of community and belonging
• Is practical and smart
• Identifies the children with the school
• Is not distracting in class (as fashion clothes might be)
• Makes children feel equal to their peers in terms of appearance
• Is regarded as suitable, and good value for money, by most parents
• Has been designed with health and safety in mind
• Uniform assists good levels of behaviour and is conducive to effective learning

Boys’ Uniform

• Grey plain trousers or shorts
• White shirt, which is to be worn with a school tie OR white polo shirt (no tie)
• Royal blue jumper which must have the school logo (
• Grey, black or white socks
• Black plain school shoes (no trainers or boots)

Girls’ Uniform

• Grey plain trousers, shorts, skirt/culottes and pinafores
• White shirt, which is to be worn with a school tie OR white polo shirt (no tie)
• Royal blue jumper or cardigan with the school logo
• Grey, black or white socks
• Grey tights (for winter)
• Black plain school shoes (no trainers or boots)
• Summer term only to Autumn Half term: Check blue and white gingham dress for the summer (not to be worn with tights) with white socks

PE/Games

• Dark blue shorts for indoor PE (no skorts)
• Blue polo shirt which must have the school logo
• For outside in colder weather, children must have a blue hoodie, with the school logo
• For outside in colder weather, if children wish to wear non-branded tracksuit bottoms. No leggings or compression tights
• Trainers are needed for sports outdoors and some inside activities

PE is part of the national curriculum and is compulsory in schools. For health and safety reasons children must change to do PE. Any child who is unable to take part in a PE lesson must have a letter from the parents informing the school of the reason.

Optional Items

• Book bags
• Ties – with and without clip on
• Reversible fleeces
• PE pump bags

Stockists

Brigade Clothing UK
www.brigade.uk.comGuide: Buying Uniform Online with Brigade

Schoolwear Solutions
www.schoolwearsolutions.comGuide: How to Shop Online with Schoolwear Solutions

Notes

Jewellery: Earrings are permissible as long as they are small studs which the child is able to remove for PE.  Studs which are permanently screwed into place are extremely dangerous and should not be worn in school.  Watches are allowed to assist with telling the time.  The school accepts no responsibility for items of jewellery brought into school which are lost.

Make up and Cosmetics: Make up and cosmetics are not considered appropriate or consistent with our school uniform.  The school does not permit such products to be worn by any children unless there is a specific event for which the Head has given prior permission.

Nail Varnish: Nail varnish is not to be worn in the school. All nail varnish must be removed when children return to school.

Hair: We ask parents to encourage their child to have a hairstyle appropriate to the age and activity of the child and in keeping with school values.  Children are not allowed to come to school with their heads shaved or hair dyed.  Haircuts which involve tram lines or pictures/symbols in the hair are not permissible.  Children should not be wearing elaborate headbands, scarves or hair decorations, embellishments (beads).

All clothing and footwear should be clearly labelled with your child’s name.