Our aim is to have a school dress code which is inclusive and comfortable and which can be worn by all of our young people.  Religious and cultural beliefs will not be discriminated against, nor will gender identity or gender expression.

We expect all students to dress appropriately and hope that a universal dress code will encourage a sense of belonging and pride in our school, while allowing our young people some freedom to express their individuality.  A school dress code which removes the wearing of overtly branded, often expensive, clothing reduces the potential for negative behaviour (including bullying) and unhealthy competition.

Our young people are developing skills for life and work where a dress code is often followed and appropriate clothing choices are expected.  For security reasons and to develop a positive impression of our young people within the wider community a dress code, which all can follow, is vital.

We have worked with suppliers and have included options available on the high street to develop a dress code which is affordable and which enables all students to dress appropriately and to come to school ready to learn.

School Dress Code – effective from August 2024

• White shirt or polo shirt.
  • All tops should be full length, cropped styles are not permitted.

• Black trouser, tailored shorts leggings dress or skirt.
  • Trousers may be of a style chosen by the student but jogger/ tracksuit bottoms should not be worn unless as part of a P.E. kit. Jeans are not permitted at any time.
  • Leggings must be opaque.
  • Skirts should be of a discrete length – mid thigh or longer.
  • Visible tights or socks should be black, white or skin tone.

• Black or Royal Blue jumper, hoody or cardigan.
  • Jumpers may be v-neck, round neck, quarter or full zip style.

• Mostly black shoes.
  • Shoes need not be entirely black and some other colour on soles or detailing is acceptable.

• Students may choose to wear a school tie and/ or blazer but these items are not compulsory.

On days when a student has P.E. they may wear their P.E. kit all day.   P.E. kit is as follows:

• White, royal blue or black t-shirt.
  • Cropped t-shirts are not permitted.

• Black shorts, leggings, jogger or tracksuit trousers.
  • Football tops and strips are not permitted.
  • Hot pant style shorts are not permitted.
  • Leggings should be opaque.

• Trainers or other footwear appropriate to the activity
  • Any colour of trainer is acceptable.

Please note

• Every student should wear an item of clothing which identifies them as a member of our school community. This should be either the school tie (available from the school office) or a branded school top (available from Brown and Out).
• Outdoor clothing, head wear (other than when worn for religious observance) and hoods should be removed in classes.
• If any student chooses to wear a polo shirt they need not wear a school tie (unless this is the item of clothing which identifies them as a member of our school community.)
• Flat footwear is encouraged for safety reasons. Crocs, sliders or similar style footwear is not permitted for Health and Safety reasons.
• Clothing items should not have obvious logos – other than when branded with the school logo. Small, discrete alternative logos are acceptable – please see examples below.

Enforcing the school dress code

• If any student is unable to wear uniform for any reason parents/carers are asked to contact the school so that staff can be made aware.
• If any student is not following the school dress code a member of staff will discuss this with them.
• Continued instances will be referred to the student’s Guidance Teacher who will contact parents/ carers to discuss.
• Persistent failure to dress within the scope of the school dress code may lead to disciplinary action.

Purchasing branded school clothing

We have partnered with Brown and Out, a Peebles based company, who are able to offer clothing items which offer good value (when compared with other school clothing providers).  Clothing orders can be collected from their workshop, in Peebles, or you can choose to have purchases delivered to the school free of charge.

Brown and Out’s contact details are:

brownandout.co.uk

07721 723 773

info@brownandout.co.uk

School ties can be purchased from the school office.

School clothing pass-on scheme

We would like to reduce our environmental impact, while also making uniform as affordable as possible.  To help we would be delighted to receive donations of any school clothing items which have been outgrown and which could be used by another student.

Please hand any donations in to the school office.

Help with school clothing

We hope that by increasing the options available to students that all of our young people will be able to find suitable clothing items in which they are comfortable.  However, we understand that this is more challenging for some.  If you have any concerns about finding suitable clothing items for your child please contact their Guidance Teacher for help.

We also hope that by relaxing the school dress code that some items will be wearable out of school as well as in, making school clothing more affordable.

If you have any concerns about the cost of school clothing please contact your child’s Guidance Teacher, in confidence.  Clothing grants are available from Midlothian Council and details can be found on the Council website Free school meals and clothing grants | Midlothian Council

Feedback

We will review the school dress code on an ongoing basis and would also welcome any feedback or suggestions from parents/ carers.  Please make contact by email mailto:penicuik_hs@midlothian.education.