We believe that a school uniform for students in years 7 – 11 and a dress code for Post 16 students is desirable and appropriate at Alfriston, and helps to promote a good working environment.

School uniform also serves to create a sense of identity and has a PR role to play in the wider community. Students in school uniform represent their school, so we expect it to be worn correctly and with respect.

Through our uniform and dress code we aim to:

• Encourage pride in the school
• Support teaching and learning
• Enable students to be comfortable, safe and secure
• Encourage a sense of equality and belonging to the school community
• Protect students from social pressures to dress in a particular way
• Support parents to provide an efficient and value for money dress code for their daughters
• Ensure that girls from different social, religious and ethnic groups feel welcome
• Communicate a positive school identity in the community

It is the responsibility of parents to ensure that their daughter comes to school in the correct uniform. Pastoral tutors are responsible for monitoring uniform, and will inform parents of any incorrect clothing. The headteacher and deputy headteachers are the final arbiters in all matters of uniform and dress.

Requests to vary the uniform requirements for particular reasons, such as medical needs, will always be carefully considered.

We appreciate the support of parents in maintaining our high standards of dress and encouraging pupils to take a pride in their appearance.

Parents / Carers are able to purchase Alfriston School uniform (including PE kit) from “School Days Direct” in store or via their website, using the above link. Friends of Alfriston, the school’s PTA, also hold Pre-Loved Uniform sales on various occasions throughout the year, providing good quality, second hand uniform at a discounted price. To enquire about pre-loved uniform, please contact the school office.

Trousers: Black classic style trousers (no leggings or jeans styles)

Skirt:  Black straight or pleated (knee length, not tight fitting and without slits)

Jumper or Cardigan: Black jumper or cardigan with school logo*

Shirt:  White polo shirt with school logo

Blazer: Black single-breasted blazer with school logo*

Coat: Black or plain winter jacket with or without school logo (no leather or denim)

Socks: Black, grey or white trainer, ankle or knee length

Tights: Black or neutral

Shoes: Plain black leather laced or fastened school shoes (with protection of the front of the foot) heels no higher than 3cm, (no canvas or suede trainers, boots or open toes)

Scarves: Plain black or white headscarf or hijabs worn for religious reasons

Jewellery: Jewellery is not permitted, however KS4 and Post 16 can wear one small, discreet stud in each ear; the stud must be worn in the lower part of the earlobe and must be removed for PE and Sports. Watches (excluding smart watches) are permitted.

Hair: Hair should be worn away from the face or tied back, using plain black, white, grey, gold or silver hair bands or hair clips.

Make-up/Nails: Make-up, false nails and nail varnish is not permitted.

*All items to be purchased with the school logo.

Compulsory Items

• Black Performance Polo Shirt
• Black Tracksuit Top*
• Black Tracksuit Bottoms or PE Leggings
• Black Skorts or Black Shorts
• Clean Trainers
• White Sports Socks
• Black Football Socks
• Outdoor/Muddy Trainers
• Swimming Kit in a separate bag: one-piece regulation swimsuit, swimming hat and towel. (Verruca sock to be worn with verrucas or athlete’s foot.)

*All items purchased with the school logo from “School Days Direct”.

All items should be named and kept in a strong drawstring PE bag.

Optional Items

• Football Boots
• Shin Pads

For PE Lessons

Please note: one pair of small stud earrings are allowed to be worn in school from year 10 onwards but please have ears pierced at the start of the summer holiday to allow for the 6 weeks to heal. All jewellery must be removed, including earrings for PE lessons so please ensure that your child can remove their own earrings.

For Forest School Lessons

For year 7, 8, and 9, pupils will participate in Forest School lessons once a week for one half of the year (Sept-Feb or Feb-July). These lessons will always take place outdoors. Please can you provide your child with the following weather appropriate items in a separate named bag:

• Leggings or tracksuit bottoms. (NO jeans or shorts)
• T-shirt, jumper and fleece
• Waterproof bottoms and top / coat
• Walking boots / wellies / outdoor shoes
• Change of socks
• Your daughter may also want a hat, scarf and gloves

In order to help students make mature decisions about their appearance, the following dress code will apply to all Post 16 students at Alfriston.

Pupils may choose to wear smart / casual clothes of their own choice. However, the following items are inappropriate for school:

• Tracksuit bottoms
• Leggings (unless covered by a long top)
• Ripped Jeans
• Sportswear (except for PE)
• T-shirts showing pictures of pop stars, large sports logos, or graphic images
• Revealing clothing: shorts, miniskirts, low cut / strappy / crop tops
• Torn or dirty clothing
• Dangerous shoes e.g. stilettos /flip flops / dolly shoes

Jewellery may be worn if safe to do so and in moderation, but must be removed in practical lessons. Earrings must be small studs. E.g. Large hoops are inappropriate.

Light makeup may be worn, however we will advise girls if makeup is too heavy and they may be asked to remove it.

Nail varnish may be worn (except when cooking) but should be kept tidy. False nails may not be worn.

School PE kit should still be worn for school sports activities and PE lessons. Sometimes PE staff will allow other appropriate sports kit according to the activity.

Students need to act responsibly and dress appropriately for school or for the workplace. Staff will advise if their dress appears to be inappropriate (e.g. too low, too tight, too short etc…) for school, college or the workplace.