School Uniform

Uniform and Appearance Policy

At The Trinity Catholic School by specifying school uniform we aim for straightforward and traditional styles to maintain consistency and avoid trends, we believe the school uniform achieves two important goals:

– It encourages a sense of community identity and pride. By wearing the same badge and the same clothing, pupils are encouraged to think of the needs of the community as well as their own individual needs.

– It prevents unkindness or bullying while keeping costs down. By requiring all our pupils to wear the same low-cost uniform, we reduce the incentive for pupils 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.

We expect pupils to wear a clean shirt every day. We expect children to shower daily and use a non-glass roll-on deodorant as appropriate.

This may seem obvious, but, sadly, there are some pupils whose poor personal hygiene is embarrassing for them. With care and attention, it can easily be avoided.

We understand that, for some families, finances are tight. We believe that, by doing all we can to keep items of fashion out of school, we help families to keep costs down. Nevertheless, if you do have an individual problem, or you are unsure about an item of clothing, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s Progress Coordinator who will deal with your enquiry in the strictest confidence.

We seek to maintain a high standard to the end of Year 11 and by supporting us you can avoid the unnecessary expense of ever-changing fashions.

Please note that a school blazer badge is compulsory and available from the Lower School Office or Schoolwear Solutions priced £8.75.

Students in Year 7 through to Year 11

  1. Trinity Black blazer (no gilt buttons) and school badge.
  2. Plain black pleated skirt of knee length that is of a minimum 22 inches in length. The skirt should not be made of T-shirt material or figure hugging. Pencil skirts are not allowed. The school has researched availability and suitable and affordable skirts can be purchased at Schoolwear Solutions, Marks and Spencer, John Lewis and Asda.
  3. Plain black regular or slim fit standard trousers. Trousers should not be tight fit or figure hugging. Trousers must have no visible pockets. No denim or leather trousers are allowed and trousers should ‘sit’ on top of the shoes. Trousers should be replaced if they have rips or cuts in them. The school has researched availability and suitable, affordable trousers can be purchased at Schoolwear Solutions, Marks and Spencer, John Lewis and Asda.
  4. Plain black V-necked jumper of orthodox style.
  5. Plain white school shirt (not fitted).
  6. School tie (available from the Lower School Office for £6.75).
  7. Plain black ankle socks (or winter tights) for every day of the week.
  8. Black traditional low-heeled sensible leather shoes. Trainer-style shoes are not acceptable. Any stiletto style heels damage floors and may not be worn. Boots must not be worn in school. Trainers must not be worn to, in, or from school.
  9. No make-up, rings, earrings (or ear jewellery of any kind), other jewellery or fashion badges are allowed in school or to and from school. Permanent make-up and eyebrow/eyelash tinting are not allowed. Any ‘ear-piercing’ must be done in the long summer holidays, as ‘sleepers’ or ‘studs’ cannot be worn in school. Inexpensive watches are acceptable.
  10. Outdoor coats must be plain dark navy blue or black. Multi-coloured or expensive fashion coats are not allowed. Denim, leather and leather-look coats are not acceptable. Coats with designer/advertising logos are not allowed. No fur on or inside of hoods.

No hats are to be worn apart from an optional plain black pull-on hat with the school’s logo which is available priced from £8.75.

Sixth Form dress code

Please understand that the rest of the school has a smart and strictly enforced uniform and it is important to us that the good name of the Sixth Form continues with every student adhering to the dress code. We expect reasonable dress sense, clothes that are practical and comfortable. Jeans, t-shirts and sweatshirts are popular options.

We ask you not to:

  • Dress provocatively (e.g. inappropriate slogans on clothes etc.)
  • Dress in a way that intimidates others
  • Wear any facial jewellery (ear piercings are allowed, but not eyes/noses/lips) or have any tattoos visible
  • Hair should be smart and tidy with no excessive styling. We allow hair to be dyed natural colours, but ask that the colours are not pink, green, blue, silver etc.

In addition to the above there should be no jogging bottoms/track pants/leggings, no ripped jeans, no flip-flops, no lace tights. Baseball caps, hoods, head gear, coats and outdoor jackets should not be worn in school.

Students Hair

Pupils’ hair must be in be in an understated style and should not be extreme. We do not allow students to have their hair dyed in a colour that is not a natural colour and even then, it should be all one colour. Hair that is braided must also be all one colour. If students have long hair they must tie it back for practical lessons such as Science, Design Technology and Physical Education. Some hair products are flammable, this creates a danger in practical Science and Design Technology lessons. Therefore, students should not use excessive products in their hair. Any hair clips or hair bands must be subtle and black or navy blue in colour.

Specific styles that are not allowed are: –

  • Hair that is shaved on any part of the head less than a number ‘two’.
  • Lines shaved into the hair or eyebrows.
  • Hair that is dyed a non-natural colour.
  • Hair that is more than one colour, including high and low lights.

Boys in Years 7-11 are not permitted to grow facial hair. This is a privilege given to students when they are admitted to the 6th form.

However, this list is not exhaustive and parents may request a meeting to discuss a particular hair style.

Make-up

Pupils in Years 7 to 11 must not wear any make-up whatsoever. If found to be wearing make-up of any description pupils will be asked to remove it immediately. Failure to do so will result in an immediate sanction. Nail varnish of any description, as well as nail extensions, are similarly forbidden.

Pupils are not allowed to wear henna. Pupils who come into school with henna visibly adorned on the hands will have to cover this with gloves.

Jewellery

The Trinity Catholic School operates a strict no jewellery policy.

Specific items that are not allowed:

– Earrings or ear studs of any sort.
– Piercings of any sort.
– Bracelets including ankle bracelets.
– Rings.
– Necklaces or chains.

Items of religious or cultural significance

The Headteacher may grant exceptions to any of the above, but only where this is required as a matter of sincere religious observance or cultural significance and where this can be substantiated by a letter from a priest or relevant community leader.