Uniform and Appearance Code
Stretford Grammar School believes that uniform plays an important part in supporting the ethos of the school in Years 7 – 11 by:
Our Uniform and Appearance policy is based on the principles that school uniform:
- Promotes a sense of pride in the school and promotes the values of the school
- Engenders a sense of community and belonging towards the school
- Supports positive behaviour and discipline
- Is practical and smart
- Identifies the students with the school
- Prevents students from coming to school in fashion or designer label clothes that could be distracting in class or create a sense of competition placing a burden on parents and carers
- Makes the students feel equal to their peers in terms of appearance and helps nurture cohesion between different groups of students
- Must be available at a reasonable cost
Description of the School Uniform Years 7 – 11:
Trouser Uniform
- Black blazer with school badge, which is worn at all times, unless permission is given within the classroom by individual teachers
- Smart black shoes with no logo
- Plain white school shirt
- Black V neck jumper appropriate for Key Stage 3 or 4. This is an optional item
- Appropriate school tie for Key Stage 3 or 4
- Black tailored trousers. Trousers must NOT be of denim or denim type material. Tight fitting trousers are not permitted
- Vests/T shirts – white only may be worn underneath shirts. Coloured or T shirts with logos must NOT be worn underneath shirts
- Headscarves, hair bands, clips or bobbles must be plain black or white. No other hair adornments are permitted
Skirt Uniform
- Black blazer with school badge, which is worn at all times, unless permission is given within the classroom by individual teachers
- Plain white school shirt
- Black V neck jumper appropriate for Key Stage 3 or 4. This is an optional item
- Appropriate school tie for Key Stage 3 or 4
- Black skirt, A Line or pleated, of a length of no more than three inches above the knee.
- Black or white socks or black or neutral tights
- Vests/T shirts – white only may be worn underneath shirts. Coloured or T shirts with logos must NOT be worn underneath shirts
- Headscarves, hair bands, clips or bobbles must be plain black or white. No other hair adornments are permitted
Please note: footwear should not have sport logos such as Nike or Adidas etc.
Uniform must be worn properly to and from school.
Outdoor clothing may be worn as necessary to and from school, but it should not be worn instead of the school uniform. 'Hoodies' are not to be worn to, in and from school. We encourage parents to purchase a decent outdoor coat to protect students from the elements.
Coats, hats, caps and gloves may not be worn in the school buildings.
Description of the PE Uniform
Compulsory items
- Red and black panelled shorts or skort
- School red and black panelled short-sleeved polo shirt
- Plain red knee-length sports socks
- Training shoes or pumps with non-marking soles. Boots, fashion pumps or canvas shoes are not acceptable
Optional
- Reversible red long-sleeved rugby shirt
- Plain black tracksuit bottoms or leggings or tracksuit bottoms or leggings with the school logo
- Students should also have football boots, shin pads and gum shield as appropriate
Additional details
- Blazers may be taken off in classrooms at the discretion of the subject teacher
- Blazers and jumpers may be taken off at certain times of the year at the Headteacher’s discretion
- Shirts should be tucked in with the knot of the tie up to the shirt collar and with the tie covering the shirt buttons
- Trousers must cover the ankle and sit on the top of shoes
- An outer jacket is permitted to be worn to and from school. It should be black, grey or blue. It should not have any emblems or logos visible. It should not be canvas or denim
- Hoodies are not permitted to be worn on the way to and from school or in school
- Hair should be tidy and of a conventional nature. The minimum length of hair is a grade two cut. Hair must be a natural colour. Parents are strongly advised to seek advice if they are uncertain about the acceptability of a hairstyle before allowing their child to adopt it. School can insist on restyling if it considers the style to be inappropriate
- No visible tattoos are allowed
- No jewellery is permitted apart from a wristwatch
- Make up is not allowed
- Shoes should be black and made of a material which can be polished. Trainers are not permitted or shoes which have a visible logo. Ankle boots are not permitted
Only badges issued by the school are permitted
Uniform and Appearance Card
Students must carry a Uniform and Appearance card at all times; it contains a brief summary of the rules detailed here. They will receive one mark on the card for incorrect uniform. They will receive a detention if
- They do not produce the card when asked
- They receive 3 marks
Hair
Extremes of hairstyles, including shaven heads (below a number 2), tramlines or unnaturally coloured hair are not acceptable.
Sanctions for Hair Infringements
- Should students not follow the Dress Code in relation to hair, for the first infringement, parents are contacted and the student is isolated at break and lunchtime for one week
- Subsequent infringements in the same year will result in a student being isolated for a week during break and lunchtimes. Parents will be invited to an in person with the Progress Leader
Dress for Science and Technology
The school believes that Science is best learned through undertaking regular practical work and experimentation work. Therefore, laboratory coats should be worn for Science lessons as a way of protecting uniforms. Laboratory coats may be obtained from uniform suppliers. Safety goggles are provided in all laboratories and must be worn when required for health and safety reasons.
Technology is a practical subject and aprons should be worn. These can also be obtained from uniform suppliers. Safety goggles are provided in workshops and must be worn for health and safety reasons.
All items of clothing that are brought to school must have the student’s initial and surname clearly marked.
Where students have a temporary or a permanent medical condition (e.g. a student with a foot or leg injury may be unable to wear school shoes or a student who is unable to wear specific fabrics because of a skin condition) parents should contact the school to discuss how best to deal with this situation.
The Governors recognise the diversity of background of the student body and do not wish to stop any student expressing their religious identity through their clothing. However, this clothing must be in accordance with the school uniform policy reflecting the importance the Governors place upon uniform. Therefore, the school adopts the following in relation to religious clothing:
Christianity
For the majority of Christians, there is no particular dress requirement. In some Christian sects (such as the Plymouth Brethren) women and girls are expected to wear headscarves and modest clothing.
Islam
The reason for young women beyond puberty wishing to wear full clothing is modesty; that is, not wishing to receive unnecessary attention. Women are appropriately modestly dressed if they are wearing a hijab or al-amira without the need to wear niqaab in school. Men are expected to be covered from waist to knee in public places. Male Muslim students may choose to wear a cap.
Sikhism
In general covering the body is a requirement. All initiated Sikhs wear the five ‘K’ symbols as a sign of their initiation. Male Sikhs wear a turban, the removal of which is unacceptable.
Hinduism
In general, it is not considered acceptable for a Hindu woman to have uncovered legs.
Judaism
Dress requirements vary with orthodoxy. For more orthodox Jews, women and girls are expected to keep the body covered and married women cover their hair. Boys and men often wear a skullcap.
More information regarding schools' commitment to ensuring our policy reflects our diverse community can be found by clicking here.
Sixth Form Dress Code
Students are expected to dress smartly in accordance with the Dress Code. However, the Governors wish to emphasise that the points made about religious clothing for Years 7 to 11 also apply to the Sixth Form. The custom and practice of the school is that students in the Sixth Form can choose to wear the salwar kammez, hijab or al-amira. The Governors wish to continue this practice in order to avoid pressure on any students to wear items of clothing with which they are uncomfortable.
Lost Property
The school is not responsible for any student’s belongings. In the event of damage or loss, however caused, the school will not recompense students or parents. Parents are recommended to insure any items of clothing or belongings that are brought to school.
Items of lost property that are handed in will be kept for collection by for a month. Where property is named, a list of that clothing will be posted. If items of clothing are not reclaimed within this time, then that clothing may donated to the PTA for their 'good as new sale'.
Costs
Should any parents / carers feel unable to afford the costs of the uniform (including PE kit), then they should contact the school. This applies especially to students who are eligible for free school meals or whose parents are entitled to the maximum level of working tax credit. All applications will be dealt with discretely but proof of receipt of income support will be asked for.
Non-Compliance with the School’s Uniform Policy
- Given the importance that Governors attach to the school uniform, students carry a Uniform and Appearance card with them at all times, which contains a brief summary of the full rules detailed above. Students receive one mark on the card for incorrect uniform and are placed in detention if 3 marks are received or if they do not produce the card when requested.
- Where an infringement of the school’s uniform policy is as a result of that item being lost, damaged or soiled, or as a result of an injury etc. to the student, then parents will be expected provide a note explaining the circumstance and the time frame for its replacement.
- Where a student has an extreme hairstyle, then parents will be contacted and asked to rectify the situation as soon as possible. Depending on the hairstyle, the student may be required to be isolated at break and lunchtimes until the situation has been rectified.
- Jewellery will be confiscated. If it is, it will be logged with the office and kept in the safe. It will be returned to parents on application to the school.
- Students will be asked to remove make-up. Remover and nail polish remover will be available in the office.
- Where a student repeatedly breaches the school’s uniform policy, this will be seen as defiance of school rules and that student will be subject to school sanctions. Following DfE advice, these sanctions may include suspension, depending on the circumstances of the case, even if the student does not otherwise display poor behaviour.