School Uniform

Remember…

Make sure that all items of clothing and other belongings are clearly named.
School bags should be purchased here. Normal backpacks are only allowed in Year 6 due to space restrictions.
Logos that are not school logos are not allowed.

What is the uniform expansion?

We want uniform to:

be appropriate for the full school day including playtimes
enable children to be more active, especially girls
be as inexpensive as possible
be easier to clean
be comfortable
to work for children with sensory challenges.

Therefore, we are expanding our uniform options.

Children can choose to wear either Formal Uniform or Active Uniform on any day of the week, but must have Active Uniform on PE days, and Forest School uniform when they do Forest School

Find out more about our uniform expansion here.

Children come to school to learn and develop in all sorts of ways. They spend time running, painting, eating, and playing outside. So they need a uniform fit for purpose. Activities like PE twice a week, Forest School, and OPAL Playtimes also mean that the more formal school uniform can get in the way of children really making the most of these activities.

Did you know? The Chief Medical Officers recommends 60 minutes of daily physical activity but worryingly, fewer than half of our children meet this target. More concerning still is the marked decline in girls’ physical activity during primary years. Traditional uniforms, with their restrictive skirts, impractical footwear, and movement-limiting designs, create significant barriers to natural movement and play. Girls particularly report feeling self-conscious and restricted, their instinct to participate in active play diminished by uniforms that prioritise appearance over functionality.

So we’re expanding the options for our school uniform! We’re offering two daily options, which are Formal Uniform and Active Uniform.

We are also conscious of reducing costs wherever possible, and believe that this choice will reduce overall uniform costs.

If you are wondering why the navy addition? Because white can get dirty really quickly, and the navy blue goes with the jade green jumper!

Must I still have the Formal Uniform?

Yes!! Whilst we are expanding our options, children still need the formal uniform for performances and school photos at least. Examples include Christmas, Easter, Choir, Orchestra etc, children must wear grey/black trousers/skirt with a shirt, blouse or polo shirt which is white. We’re keen for the children to know what it means to dress up for these special occasions.

Daily Wear (remember children can choose Formal or Active Uniform)

PE – additional information

Children should wear Active Uniform to school on the days that they have PE.
Football shirts, hoodies, or general day-to-day clothing are not acceptable as PE kit. Logos are not allowed.
Trainers for all children.
Children should tie back any long hair for safety reasons.

Forest School

On days where children have Forest School, they can wear the Active Uniform, but it should include:

Sturdy shoes/trainers, or wellies (depending on the weather)
Waterproof coat (and waterproof trousers if you have them)
Long trousers and long-sleeved top
Long socks are also preferable.
We are more relaxed around colours of clothing for Forest School.

All-weather extras

Outside coat (with hood if possible)
Hat and gloves in cold weather.
Sunhat and sunscreen if needed.
Wellies can be brought in additionally
Water Bottles

Children are allowed to bring in water bottles from home. These should be for water only (ie no squash or fizzy drinks). Water bottles should have minimal branding. They must not be coke bottles, Prime bottles, or other drink-branded bottles.

School Bags

See here for details on school bags.

Earrings

We would prefer children not to wear earrings at school because of Health and Safety issues. If, however, you want your child to wear them, they must be one pair of studs only and must be removed by your child or covered with tape for PE. No other form of body piercing is allowed.

Jewellery

No jewellery should be worn for school. The wearing of any items of cultural or medical significance should first be discussed with the Headteacher.

Watches

If a watch is worn at school it is the responsibility of your child. Whilst electronic watches are allowed, watches with a camera are not allowed. Children must not access the internet or network through their watches.

Hair

Please don’t shave designs into your child’s hair- this isn’t part of our policy. Mohawks are not allowed. Hair styles should neat and smart, and not interrupt the learning or the safety of pupils.

Where to buy

Brand New

Only the school jumper needs to be ordered at Skoolkit, although logo’d polo-shirts are also available. Other school items can be purchased from other sources (e.g. supermarkets). See this Skoolkit flyer for an 2024 Summer prices and 10% discount (see the Skoolkit website for latest prices).

Second Hand

Contact uniform.fosm@stmarksce.org.uk to buy and check for size availabilty.

Remember, all funds go straight back to the school! We also run stalls at various FOSM events. If you have spare/unused/outgrown uniform, please put them in the purple bins. We then wash and sell them on.