school-uniform

2026-27

Our Aim

  • Set out our approach to providing a school uniform that is affordable and offers the best possible value for money for parents and carers.
  • Ensure that the cost of school uniform does not create a barrier to a child attending school or participating fully in school life.
  • Make clear which items of uniform are compulsory and which are optional.
  • Comply with the Department for Education (DfE) statutory guidance on the cost of school uniforms and the legal limits on compulsory branded uniform and PE kit.
  • Explain how we will avoid discrimination in line with our legal duties under the Equality Act 2010.
  • Ensure that our uniform is practical, comfortable, safe and suitable for primary-aged children.
  • Support our Catholic ethos and our sense of identity and belonging as a school community.
  • Provide opportunities for families to reduce the cost of uniform through second-hand uniform and our termly uniform swap shops.
Click to Download School Uniform Policy Link Click to Download

Our Approach to the Cost of School Uniform

St Anne’s recognises the financial pressures facing families and is committed to keeping the cost of school uniform as low as reasonably possible.

The school will:

  • Keep compulsory branded items to an absolute minimum.
  • Allow generic, widely available alternatives wherever possible.
  • Ensure that parents and carers are able to shop around for compulsory items.
  • Consider cost, quality, durability and sustainability when making uniform decisions.
  • Avoid unnecessary specifications that increase the cost of uniform.
  • Make second-hand uniform accessible to families.
  • Hold a uniform swap shop once every term.
  • Encourage all parents and carers to use the uniform swap shop, whether or not they are experiencing financial difficulty.
  • Provide support and signposting to families who may be struggling with the cost of uniform.
  • Take a sensitive and supportive approach where a pupil does not have the correct uniform because of financial circumstances.

The school will not treat a pupil unfairly or prevent them from accessing education because their family is experiencing financial hardship.

Parents and carers are encouraged to contact the school if they are experiencing difficulties in providing uniform or PE kit. The school will work with families to identify an appropriate and supportive solution.

Compulsory and Optional Uniform

It is important that this policy clearly distinguishes between compulsory uniform items and optional branded items.

Compulsory School Uniform

The following items are compulsory:

School uniform

  • Grey or black smart trousers.
  • Grey or black knee-length skirt.
  • Grey or black knee-length shorts.
  • White shirt or white polo shirt.
  • Plain or branded navy-blue sweatshirt or cardigan.
  • Black, grey or white socks.
  • Blue summer dress, knee-length, during the summer term where chosen.
  • Black school shoes.

A plain navy-blue round-neck sweatshirt is an acceptable school uniform item and may be purchased from a supermarket, general retailer or other suitable retailer.

Branded School Jumper

  • The St Anne’s branded school jumper is optional and is not a compulsory item of uniform.
  • Families who wish to purchase the branded school jumper may do so from Debonair.
  • Parents and carers are not required to purchase a branded jumper in order for their child to comply with this uniform policy.

PE Uniform

The PE uniform is:

  • Black shorts.
  • Yellow T-shirt or polo shirt.
  • Black pumps suitable for indoor physical education.
  • PE clothing should be practical, comfortable and suitable for the activity.

PE bags

A St Anne’s branded PE bag is available to purchase from the school, but it is not compulsory.

Families may use a suitable plain alternative.

Book Bags and School Bags

Children in Reception to Year 6 need a book bag for transporting reading books and essential school items.

A St Anne’s branded book bag is available to purchase from the school, but it is not compulsory. Families may use a suitable plain alternative.

General Appearance and Personal Presentation

We expect pupils to arrive at school clean, tidy and appropriately dressed.

Hair

  • Long hair should be tied back where necessary for health and safety, particularly during PE and practical activities.
  • Hair should be maintained in a practical and appropriate manner for school.
  • The school will not discriminate against pupils because of hair or hairstyles associated with protected characteristics, including race or religion, in accordance with the Equality Act 2010 and relevant guidance on preventing hair discrimination.
  • Plain headbands and small blue bows are permitted.
  • Hair accessories should be practical and suitable for school.
  • Coloured extensions or decorative additions that are not appropriate for school should not be worn.

The school will consider requests for reasonable adjustments relating to hair and personal appearance on an individual basis.

Jewellery and watches

  • Jewellery should not normally be worn in school for health and safety reasons.
  • If ears are pierced, small plain studs may be worn. Hoops and large earrings are not permitted because of safety considerations.
  • A simple watch may be worn.
  • Smart watches are not permitted.

Nails and make-up

  • Nail varnish, false/acrylic nails and make-up are not permitted.

Footwear

Black school shoes should be worn.

  • Footwear should be:
  • Plain and practical.
  • Safe for walking, playground activities and school movement.
  • Suitable for the weather and school environment.
  • Not branded trainers

Footwear should not have excessive decoration, flashing lights or features that are unsuitable for school.

Where a temporary exception is necessary because of injury, medical need or other exceptional circumstances, parents/carers should contact the school.

Where uniform can be purchased?

Compulsory generic uniform items can be purchased from a range of supermarkets, high-street retailers and other suppliers.

The optional St Anne’s branded jumper can be purchased from Debonair.

The school also makes branded book bags and branded PE bags available for families who wish to purchase them. These items are optional and suitable generic alternatives may be used.