At The Matthew Arnold School, we believe the school uniform achieves three important goals:
- It encourages a sense of community identity and pride. By wearing the same badge and the same clothing, students are encouraged to think of the needs of the community as well as their own individual needs
- It encourages our students to develop habits for life. By learning to polish their shoes, fold trousers or hang up their blazers, students learn the habits of discipline and personal responsibility that will stay with them for life
- It prevents unkindness or bullying while keeping costs down.
By requiring all our students to wear the same uniform, we reduce the incentive for students to ask parents for the latest (and most expensive) items of fashion. As a result, costs are kept as low as possible and no child can be seen to be poorer or wealthier than any other. However, for our uniform policy to be successful, it must be implemented universally and without exception. Our parents understand this and so support us at home to uphold the school’s high standards.
Labelling:
All items of clothing (including bags) must be clearly marked with the student’s full name. Sew-on labels are preferable to iron-on labels and black permanent markers may be used but names should be written large and clear.
Should there be any questions as to what acceptable school uniform is please contact the school to check before purchase.
Wearing the correct uniform
Students who wear incorrect uniform or who choose to wear it incorrectly will be sanctioned and may be sent home to change. The full list of uniform is detailed below (uniform items in bold type and with the word 'school' alongside means they can only be purchased from the uniform shop, School Uniform Direct):
- School blazer (required)
- White shirt with buttons to the collar and a top button (long or short sleeves)
- School skirt (optional for it to be branded, but must look similar to the skirt in the picture shown) This must be a reasonable length and unrolled at all times
- School tie (required)
- Plain black knee high, ankle or trainer socks or plain black tights
- Black polishable smart shoes
- School jumper (optional)
- An outdoor coat as necessary. This must not be a hoodie.
Please see below some illustrations of branded items and examples of acceptable uniform items.
| Blazer | White Collar Shirt | Skirt | Trousers |
|---|---|---|---|
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| Tie | Black Socks | Coat | Jumper |
|---|---|---|---|
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|
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| Acceptable School Shoes | |||
|---|---|---|---|
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PE kit
- School PE top
- School PE shorts
- School PE socks
- School PE leggings (optional)
- School PE bottoms (optional)
- Trainers
Visit the School Uniform Direct website here
Additional Regulations:
- Accessories: One set of small stud earrings in the lobe and a wristwatch is allowed. No other visible piercings, jewellery or accessories are permitted.
- Hairstyles: Hair should be neat and well-groomed. Extreme hairstyles or colours are not allowed.
- Makeup: Natural makeup is acceptable. Heavy makeup or bold colours are not permitted. False or acrylic nails and false eyelashes are not permitted.
- Bag: Students must carry their books and materials in a suitable bag or backpack
