At St. Mary's Bluecoat CE Primary School, all children (including nursery pupils) are expected to wear school uniform.

St. Mary's Bluecoat CE Primary School is committed to promoting equality and value for money and to ensuring that no child is discriminated against due to their religion or belief, economic circumstances or social and cultural background. Our uniform policy contains provisions to meet these objectives and has been created with health and safety, value for money and practicality at its heart.

Additionally, it is important that our pupils feel a sense of belonging to our school. We believe that wearing a smart and practical uniform allows all children, regardless of their background, to feel equal to their peers and confident in their appearance. We also believe it is important for children to wear clothing that is conducive to a successful learning environment, including activity-appropriate clothing, such as sports attire.

Aims and Objectives

In summary, our policy for school uniform is based on the notion that school uniform:

    • Promotes a sense of pride in the school
    • Provides a sense of community and belonging
    • Is practical, affordable and smart
    • Identifies the children with the school
    • Creates peer equality in terms of appearance
    • Is designed with Health & Safety in mind

Cost and Availability

In accordance with the School Admissions Code, St. Mary's Bluecoat CE Primary School ensures that this School Uniform Policy does not discourage parents/carers from applying for a place for their child.

The school is committed to meeting the DfE’s recommendations on costs and value for money. Every care is taken to ensure that our uniforms are affordable for all current and prospective pupils, and that the best value for money is secured through reputable suppliers.

The school works with multiple suppliers to obtain the best value for money possible. Any savings negotiated are passed to parents where possible.

The school does not enter into exclusive single supplier contracts or cash-back arrangements. School branded items are optional*.

The school does not amend uniform requirements regularly and takes the views of parents/carers and pupils into account when considering changes to school uniforms.

Where changes are required, the school ensures that assistance is provided to parents/carers struggling to meet the associated costs. See also Charging and Remissions Policy.