Uniform

The school uniform is a fixed dress code that helps the students to perform academically better by creating a sense of community, allowing students to concentrate more on their studies rather than on deciding their wardrobe. Apart from removing distractions, the school uniform compels students to take school environment more seriously and prepare youngsters for the future world of work. Students tend to be misjudged and ridiculed by others when school uniform is not worn due to the kind of clothes they wear. Thus, uniforms reduce social conflict in the schools. The school uniform is also a highly cost effective and relieve the parents from the burden of buying fashionable and expensive clothes.

In 2010-11 Grainville School is introducing a new uniform for students in Year 7. This will include a school blazer, shirt, tie and trousers for both boys and girls. The school has worked hard to find a high quality uniform supplier at a reasonable price. Trousers for boys and girls are now on sale at school, the girls having a female cut trouser. School jumpers / tank tops with the school crest are optional with the blazer.

Skirts are no longer permitted as part of the new Y7 school uniform and will be phased out across the school within the next five years. The Governing body has decided to set the highest of standards and deal with the problem of shrinking hemlines. Parents of new Year 7 students have overwhelmingly agreed that skirts are often worn too short, compromising a girl’s dignity on stairwells and in practical subjects such as Music and Drama. We offer a very active curriculum and trousers are much more practical and comfortable. In order to give girls the same opportunities as boys for a safe, active and healthy lifestyle, while maintaining their modesty, it has been considered by our school governors that trousers for all students in Year 7 is a practical and appropriate dress requirement. Skirts are worn far too short by a significant minority of girls who roll them up at the waist in order to appear fashionable, and are a source of endless battles between parents and their child, and staff and the student.

How will the new uniform impact on students in Years 8-11?

Students in Years 8-11 retain their current school uniform which includes the school jumper, shirt / polo shirt trousers / skirt. Please note that girls in Y 8-11 wearing skirts that are too short will be sent home to find a longer skirt or trousers. As a guide, skirts worn are expected to be between knee length to 5 cm above the knee.

Can students in Years 8-11 wear the new school blazer ?

Yes. Students in Years 8-11 are permitted to wear the new school uniform and purchase a blazer. The only stipulation is that girls doing so must wear trousers with their blazer.

Why purchase a blazer in Years 8-11?

The blazer looks smart and is very functional. A number of zipped inner pockets and side pockets provide a safe place to store bus tickets, lunch money carry pens and pencils, locker keys etc. The blazer offers students an alternative to a bulky coat which cannot be worn in school.

Can a blazer be worn with a polo shirt?

No, the blazer is designed to be worn with the school shirt and tie, and of course trousers.

Can any black trousers be worn ?

The school is not stipulating a style of black trousers other than they must not be too tight or flared ( boot cut). Parents can source their own supplier, but please note that the school has a new supply of quality sensible trousers for boys, and for girls, at a very reasonable price.

Other important guidance notes for parents

• In inclement or cold weather, a dark-coloured outdoor coat may be worn to come to school in but not in classrooms or corridors. Coats are not permitted in school and need to be placed in bags or the student locker upon arrival.
• T-shirts do not form part of the school uniform and must not be worn. Students wearing a T-shirt under their shirt or polo shirt will need to remove it. Vests are however permitted. Failure to do so will result in the student being sent home to change.
• Hoodies, base ball caps, scarves and associated fashion clothing are not permitted in school and will be confiscated if worn. The confiscated article of clothing can then be collected at the end of the school day in the first instance. Scarves, like hoodies can get caught or pulled and therefore are not permitted in school.
• The school reserves the right to ask a child to go home and change if his/her uniform does not fulfil the criteria in this policy (subject to parental permission).

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