Matthew Arnold School Uniform and Dress Code
At Matthew Arnold School we work together to maintain high standards, including those relating to suitable clothing and appearance for school.
At Matthew Arnold School the following principles hold for our uniform:
The uniform is recognisable as that of Matthew Arnold School.
- The uniform is recognisable as that of Matthew Arnold School.
- The uniform is comfortable to wear.
- The uniform is affordable.
- Meets the health and safety requirements of a busy school.
The dress code is intended to provide the opportunity for collective pride in our school as well as a clear structure for students and parents to follow.
Uniform
- Burgundy ‘V’ neck sweatshirt with school logo.
- Polo shirt worn underneath. Logo polo shirts are available but not compulsory.
- Plain black legwear. No faded, or ripped trousers.
- Footwear must be predominantly black, no higher than the ankle and with low heels. No open-toed shoes are permitted.
General dress code specifications
To ensure that uniform is worn smartly and neatly at all times, all students need to comply with the points below:
- Students are not permitted to substitute outer garments for their school sweatshirt during the school day.
- School sweatshirts may be removed when a student feels too warm.
- Coats or jackets should be suitable for school wear and should be removed, along with hoods, gloves, scarves and hats, in lessons, with the exception being headwear that has a religious significance.
- False nails of any type are not permitted.
- Students are encouraged to wear a watch.
- Earrings should be studs or small hoops only for safety reasons.
- Nose rings/studs should be discrete.
P.E. Kit for all students
All students must change from uniform worn in lessons and during the day into a separate PE kit
- Compulsory uniform item: Quarter zip black long-sleeved outer layer or red long-sleeved outer layer top. Red or black can be ordered as student preference.
- Compulsory uniform item: White polo shirt in house colour - please do not order a sports polo top until after the transition day once your child has found out what tutor group and house they will be in:
Tutor Group 701 and 702 = White/Royal Sports Polo Shirt
Tutor Group 703 and 704 = White/Emerald Sports Polo Shirt
Tutor Group 705 and 706 = White/Red Sports Polo Shirt
Tutor Group 707 and 708 = White/Gold Sports Polo Shirt
- Trainers for indoor PE or use on the tennis courts.
- Football boots for any activity that is on grass (e.g. football, capture the flag, cross country).
- Black sports shorts/tracksuit bottoms/running leggings.
- Red or white sport socks. Long football socks are required when wearing shin pads. Trampoline or grip socks can be used for gymnastics and dance as these activities will be shoes off and bare feet. Normal socks are too slippery and dangerous and will not be permitted.
- Shin pads will be required for football and hockey.
- Gloves are allowed for activities where this is safe, such as capture the flag etc.
- Hats & caps can be worn in PE but must be red, black or white (must have no ties on the bottom). No scarves/snoods are to be worn.
- Under their outer layer top students are encouraged to wear suitably warm layers when necessary. No outdoor jackets or coats are to be worn.
General PE kit specification
- Long hair should be tied back during PE lessons.
- No jewellery should be worn in PE lessons. Earrings that cannot be removed must be taped over (the school does not provide tape).
Guidelines
The school sweatshirt, polo shirt and school PE kit are available through the school’s uniform supplier, Price and Buckland https://www.pbuniform-online.co.uk/matthewarnold. All other items can be purchased wherever the family feels provides best value.
All clothing, sports shoes, backpacks and sports bags should have the student’s name clearly marked in the event of it being lost or misplaced including coats worn to and from school.
