Uniform Policy

High standards of presentation are required at all times when wearing the school uniform including travelling to and from school and when on visits. Whenever the school uniform is worn, it must be complete and not mixed with non-uniform clothing. Students are expected to wear the correct uniform at all times (other than specified non-school uniform days) while:

• on the school premises

• travelling to and from school

• at out-of-school events or on trips that are organised by the school, or where they are representing the school (if required)

Expectations on uniform and orderly conduct are reinforced in assemblies and lessons. The school reserves the right to correct inappropriate or incorrect items of uniform by making contact with parents or carers or by sending students home with notice to change. Incorrect or missing uniform will be challenged – students will be loaned appropriate items of uniform or required to pick up a uniform ‘red card’ from their Head of Year or Form Tutor. Parents and carers are expected to make sure their child has the correct uniform and PE kit, and that every item is:

• clean

• clearly labelled with the child’s name

• in good condition

The Equality Act 2010 prohibits discrimination against an individual based on the protected characteristics, which include age, sex, disability, race, religion or belief, pregnancy and maternity, and gender reassignment. To avoid discrimination at Caterham High School we: 

• avoid listing uniform items based on sex

• allow all students to have long hair though we reserve the right to ask for this to be tied back

• allow students to wear headscarves for religious reasons

• allow students with sensory, physical or SEND needs to make reasonable adaptations to their uniform depending on their specific needs in agreement with the Senior Leadership

• allow for reasonable adaptations to our policy on the grounds of equality. Pupils or their parents/carers should to contact the Pastoral Deputy Headteacher with any questions or requests. These will be carefully considered in line with the aims and principles of the uniform policy.

Limiting the cost of school uniform

At Caterham High School, we ensure that our uniform is affordable, inclusive, and in line with Department for Education guidance. We recognise that requiring many branded or distinctive items increases costs and reduces choice for families. We go beyond statutory guidance by:

• limiting branded items to two compulsory pieces: the blazer and the tie

• ensuring all other items (jumper, trousers, skirts, shirts, shoes, bags) can be purchased from a wide range of retailers

• allowing plain black alternatives for the PE kit, with branded items optional

• allowing plain black footwear which includes trainers

• avoiding frequent changes to uniform expectations

• offering support with second-hand uniform if needed

These steps help ensure our uniform acts as a social leveller while maintaining high standards and a sense of belonging.

School Uniform 

• Black blazer with school badge
• Plain white shirt (long sleeve or short sleeve)
• Black trousers
• Conventional style black skirt, knee or just above knee length worn with black opaque tights OR conventional style black trousers with black socks
• School tie - See Below
• Black V Neck Jumper (Optional)
• Black socks
• Plain black shoes (plain black shoes or trainers with no coloured logo, design or air bubble).
• It is preferable that students wear a plain black, dark grey or navy coat or jacket and if students wear hats and scarves, they should be plain black, white, navy, or grey.
• A school bag that is able to carry A4 size books

Each year group has a different coloured tie which carry over into the next year. Ties do not need to be replaced each year. The colour tie for each year group from September 2024 is as follows: -

·       Year 7 – Green

·       Year 8 – Blue

·       Year 9 – Red

·       Year 10 – Yellow

·       Year 11 – Purple

They cost £5 each and can be bought from the school reception.

PE Kit

• Polo top, plain black and blue
• Black shorts 
• Black leggings/cycling shorts (Sport only)
• Tracksuit bottoms black
• Fleece Jumper black with school badge NO HOODIES ALLOWED
• Black football/hockey socks
• Shin pads - colour optional
• Trainers, colour optional no plimsolls.
• Football Boots (optional) colour optional
• Black swimming trunks / costume
• Swimming hat, colour optional
• Swimming goggles, colour optional

In line with our school uniform hair should be smart and worn in preparation for the workplace. Hair should not be dyed in bright or unnatural colours and should not be multi-toned and should not have patterns or otherwise shaved into the hair. Outlandish hair styles are not acceptable and are at the school’s discretion. In terms of health and safety long hair must be appropriately tied back for practical lessons.

Students should not wear jewellery to school.  One small pair of studs or sleepers may be worn, and one religious bracelet only may be worn which must be small and plain. No badges, pins, ribbons, stickers or tokens, or other such items, are allowed. 

Clothes should be of a standard school uniform design and NOT fashion garments. The school reserves the right to confirm what is deemed appropriate as uniform clothing.

The following garments are not allowed for either boys or girls: hoodies, sweatshirts, black long sleeved cotton tops, black round necked jumpers. While boys are welcome to bring thobes to school for prayers, they must wear them only for the prayer meeting, putting them on at the beginning of prayers (at the prayer venue) and removing them after prayers. They may keep them in their bags or lockers at other times of the day.

If in doubt, please contact the school outfitters or the school before purchasing the items. 

No other jackets, other than blazers, should be worn in school. May we also remind you that for Yr 7, 8 and 9 students no make-up is to be worn. However, students in Yr 10 and 11 are permitted to wear a little make-up including clear nail varnish. No fake lashes or acrylic nails are to be worn. If girls wish to wear headscarves, they must be either plain black or plain white.

For safeguarding reasons, we need to be able to identify all students onsite and as a result we do not allow face coverings. 

Outfitters

Lucilla
180 Cranbrook Road, Ilford IG1 4LX 020 8554 5133    https://www.lucillaschoolwear.co.uk/product-category/find-your-school/find-your-school-caterham-high-school/

Carolina
708 Chigwell Road, Woodford Bridge 020 8504 6420

Unistat
153 High Street, Barkingside, 020 8550 2119
Email: info@uni-stat.com