As a school, we firmly believe that our school uniform plays a valuable role in contributing to our ethos and setting the appropriate tone for effective teaching and learning. We believe that there are many benefits to a school uniform, but these are our top four:
1. Uniforms help create a powerful school ethos
Having students all wear the same uniform develops a ‘team’ feel, reminding everyone that they’re all part of the same community and are one big team.
2. Uniforms help ensure high standards of behaviour
There is increasing evidence that schools that have a smart uniform also have excellent behaviour.
3. Uniforms help prepare students for future careers
We believe that the world of work should be central to all our practice. Many professions require adults to wear a uniform, or a suit, so wearing a uniform to school is good preparation for the working world.
4. Uniforms improve results
We believe that when students put on their school uniform, it puts them in the learning frame of mind and helps create the positive environment required to be successful and achieve.
Aims
- To support teaching and learning.
- To encourage pride in the school.
- To promote equality and cohesion.
- To protect students from social pressures to dress in a particular way.
- To maintain a safe learning environment
St. Ninian's High School Uniform (Year 7 through to Year 11)
Hair
Hairstyles should not be extreme. Hair may be coloured in natural shades/tones but no creative block or contrasting/vivid colours. If in doubt, please contact the school in advance. Hair accessories must be discreet.
Jewellery
Ideally no jewellery will be worn, but is limited to:
- A watch (Fitbit or similar)
- A pair of plain stud earrings
- A ring
- A single fine plain neck-chain
- A single fine plain bracelet
Whilst ears may be pierced and appropriate studs worn, all other piercings are not allowed for students in Year 7, 8 or 9. Students in Year 10 and 11 are permitted to wear one small nose stud but other facial or body piercings are still not allowed.
Students are expected to remove any jewellery during activities when it might constitute a risk to the health and safety of a student, member of staff or guest to the school.
Headphones
Headphones (including ear buds and wireless versions) should not be worn whilst moving around the school. They can be worn whilst sitting in social areas during breaks and lunchtimes and if required/allowed in lessons.
Makeup
Minimal and natural looking makeup is allowed, but not encouraged.
Nail Polish
Only clear colourless nail polish may be worn. Acrylic false nails or reinforced nail polish (gel, shellac or similar finishes) are not allowed.
Uniform
- White shirt or blouse with shirt collar and school tie
- Grey or black tailored full length trousers* or a pleated skirt of appropriate length**. Short, tight skirts are not appropriate for school.
- Or grey or black tailored shorts
- Black blazer (school badge optional). These should be worn to and from school and at all times during the school day. It is at the teacher’s discretion in classrooms when students can remove their blazer.
- Grey v-neck jumper (optional with blazer - not instead of a blazer).
- Plain black, grey or white socks;plain black, grey or flesh coloured tights.
- Plain black footwear (no coloured logos, flashes, laces, tabs, ankle straps, metal or coloured trimmings).
- Outdoor coats are not permitted to be worn in the school building.
Games/P.E. Kit - all items must be a change from school uniform
- Short sleeved plain red t-shirt or polo shirt
- School Red/blue games top (football/rugby)
- Plain red hooded top (outdoor)
- Plain royal blue shorts or plain royal blue skort or black leggings
- Short white socks (PE)
- Long royal blue socks (Games)
- Clean training shoes
- Astro shoes (hockey)
- Studded boots (moulded studs for football/rugby)
- Towel
The only items of school uniform that must have the school badge/logo are the school blazer and the school tie. Blazer badges and school ties can be purchased from the School Offices.
School logos on PE/Games kit is optional.
Bespoke uniform items can be purchased locally from:
- Promenade T Shirts, Queens Promenade, Douglas: hooded tops, polo shirts, school blazer & school jumpers only.
Procedures in terms of non-compliance
The standards we have set out are an attempt to achieve the outlined aims above. They have been set in an attempt to strike a balance between common sense and enforceability.
* Not skinny fit, no flares or combats, denim, leggings, slits, or studs.
**Fashions change and interpretations can be subjective, where a judgement call is required (for example “natural”, “extreme” or “discrete”) the Head of Year will make a decision in consultation with the Senior Leadership Team.
Students who do not meet the standards will be asked to make the necessary changes in an appropriate timeframe.
Non-compliance will be processed through our Ready to Learn policy.
If non compliance constitutes a health and safety risk a student will be removed from an activity, lesson, or general circulation to ensure the safety and wellbeing of students, staff and/or guests to the school.
Any student not meeting the standards of uniform may be asked to go home and change.
Equipment
To be successful learners students need the tools to carry complete tasks and carry out learning. The School provides specialist equipment and exercise books, but we would expect students to bring in the following pieces of essential equipment at minimum:
- At least one pens (plus a spare) Either black or blue
- At least one pencil
- A ruler
- Scientific calculator
- Protractor (or angle measurer)
- A bag to for carrying stationary and exercise books (we recommend a rucksack to make carrying easier)
In addition to these essentials, we also recommend the following:
- Pencil case
- Eraser
- Pencil sharpener
- Colouring pencils
- Highlighters
- Pens of different colours
- Pair of compasses
When students are sitting external examinations and Non examined assessments (NEAs) there are strict expectations and regulations relating the the equipment students must have in order to be "self sufficient" and items that student must not have. This information is available in the "exams and NEA section of the web site and is shared with students in the run up to external assessments.