Uniform Principles

As a College, we expect students to wear school uniform at all times. School uniform creates a sense of identity and belonging among students, minimises socio-economic differences and fosters a feeling of unity. In line with the College’s Behaviour Policy, the uniform and presentation code applies when pupils are en-route to and from College or when representing the College at any other time.

Behaviour Policy

Purchasing Uniform

We are mindful that uniform should be of reasonable cost and offer the best value. In order to minimise costs for parents/carers, the only branded items are the College blazer, the house tie and the summer polo shirt.

All branded items of uniform can be purchased from our uniform supplier, Stevensons (telephone: 01727 815700 or visit their website at www.stevensons.co.uk). They also provide free delivery to the College once a week for orders placed online or on the phone.

The College jumper is an optional item. A plain V neck navy jumper with no logos or branding is also acceptable.

There are branded items of PE kit which can be purchased at Stevensons. However, these are optional and non - branded alternatives are listed in the PE kit list.

The College has a preferred skirt which can be purchased from Stevensons. However, skirts from other retailers are acceptable but must comply with the style and length requirement. The skirt is ‘A’ line and pleated.

All other items of uniform can be purchased from any high street retailer and/or supermarket as long as they meet the requirements.

Second-Hand Uniform

The College’s PTFA runs a Second Hand Uniform Shop. The shop raises funds for the PTFA to support the school and also helps parents/carers by providing good quality pre-loved uniform at a more affordable price. Second hand items of uniform are always welcome. Please bring donations into Main Reception. To buy second hand uniform, please email Mrs McCaslin at D-McCaslin@garthhillcollege.com

Uniform and Presentation

We would like to thank every parent and carer for supporting the College on the issue of uniform. The vast majority of pupils respond well to our code of dress and presentation.

Parents/ carers are advised that where a pupil fails to comply with the College’s uniform and presentation code, uniform detentions will be set. Additionally, the College reserves the right to either isolate or send home a pupil whose dress and presentation is completely unacceptable. In this instance, parents/carers will be contacted in advance.

If in doubt about the uniform and presentation code, please check first with the tutor or Head of House before buying a new item or having a particular hairstyle. Where appropriate, the College may make reasonable adjustments for students with sensory or physical needs on an individual basis.

Please note that summer uniform can be worn annually after the Easter break. The College polo shirt may be worn in place of the shirt and tie.

Details of our school uniform requirements can also be found in the Behaviour Policy - Appendix 1.

UNIFORM & PRESENTATION CODE

All Students (Yrs 7-11)

College blazer with badge
College tie (house colour)
White shirt
Black leather or leather type shoes/trainers
Dark grey/black trousers or dark grey/black College skirt
College polo shirt (Summer Term only)
Formal tailored dark grey/black shorts – optional (Summer Term only)
College jumpers are optional

Points of Clarification

Blazer: A College blazer must be worn at all times (including summer uniform) unless a member of staff has given permission for it to be removed in the classroom. Blazers must be worn smartly, and sleeves must not be rolled up.

Ties: Ties must be knotted over the top button of the shirt and be an appropriate length. Summer uniform does not require a tie to be worn.

Shirts: Shirts must be long enough to be worn tucked into the waistband of trousers or skirts. Pupils must not wear short, fitted or shaped shirts or blouses. Shirts must be worn appropriately, and sleeves must not be rolled up.

Shoes: Black leather shoes or completely black leather type shoes/trainers with no logos must be worn with heels or soles of no more than 5cms in height (black logos would be permitted). No alternative colours to black are permitted to be present on the footwear. No other trainers are permitted without a note from a medical source. Canvas shoes, ‘crocs’, boots and sandals are not acceptable for health and safety reasons.

In order to maintain our high standards of dress and presentation, we have purchased some black leather type shoes in a variety of sizes for pupils. If your child is not wearing the correct footwear and does not have a valid medical reason, they will be asked to wear a pair of ‘Garth Hill’ shoes for the day. The shoes will be sprayed with a disinfectant spray after use (Bowling Alley style).

Trousers: Trousers should be formal and business like. They must be straight legged with a waistband. Tight fitting, flared, slitted, cropped, cut off or decorated trousers or leggings, jeans, chinos or hipsters are not permitted.

Skirts: The College has a preferred skirt which must be worn at a length appropriate for an educational setting. Skirts from other retailers are acceptable but must comply with the style and length requirement. The skirt is ‘A’ line and pleated. Straight skirts or skirts with splits are not permitted.

Jumpers: College jumpers are optional but a blazer must be worn at all times. They must not be tucked into the waistband of the skirt/trousers. A plain V neck navy jumper with no logos or branding is acceptable.

Socks/Tights: Socks must be plain black, white, or grey and should be ankle length or longer but must not be worn over the knee. Socks should not be worn over tights unless they are of the same colour. Plain white socks are permitted but they should not be worn over black tights. Sports socks or socks with logos are not permitted. Tights must be neutral, plain, black or grey with no patterns.

Belts: Belts must be plain, black, and narrow in width. Buckles must also be plain and unobtrusive.

Coats: A sensible coat should be worn for bad weather but is not to be worn in the classroom. Hoodies, tracksuit tops, denim, corduroy and leather coats are not permitted. Scarves and coats should be removed before entering the ‘school’ blocks.

Bags: All pupils must carry a bag. The bag must be suitable for carrying exercise and text books of an A4 size without causing damage.

Hair: Hair should be neat and formal in appearance without extreme of length or style. Hair should be natural in colour. This includes braids or extensions. It must be no shorter than a Grade 2 and without steps, lines or patterns. For reasons of health and safety, long hair must be tied back.

Makeup: Makeup should be discreet and natural in colour, including nail varnish. Nails should be short and appropriate for an educational environment. False eyelashes and false nails (acrylics/gels) are not permitted.

Jewellery: Pupils may wear a wristwatch and a maximum of one small signet ring and one necklace (worn under the shirt). Earrings must be plain and only one small stud per ear lobe is allowed. Earrings are not permitted in any other part of the ear. Bracelets are not permitted. Any facial piercings (including, but not limited to, tongue studs, eyebrow, nose, lip) are not allowed. One charity band is acceptable. No other items of jewellery are permitted.

PE: We expect all pupils to change into PE kit for ALL lessons to encourage participation. Exemptions will be made for any pupil with a serious injury such as a break or a fracture, who may be unable to change (due to wearing a cast etc). However, they will still participate in the lesson in some capacity. We understand that at times, pupils may feel unwell, however, they still must get changed into their PE kit.

Parents/Carers are advised that when a pupil fails to comply with the College’s uniform and presentation code, detentions will be set. Additionally, the College reserves the right to either isolate or send home a pupil whose dress and presentation is completely unacceptable. In this instance, parents/carers will be contacted in advance.

In line with the College’s Behaviour Policy, the uniform and presentation code applies when pupils are en route to and from College or when representing the College at any other time. If in doubt about the uniform and presentation code, please check first with the Form Tutor or Head of House before buying a new item or having a particular hairstyle. Repeated defiance of College rules may lead to suspension.