School Uniform Dress Code

NMS believes learning time should be maximised and, therefore, has two uniforms; one suitable for classroom-based learning and another, which is suitable for physical education.  By having separate uniforms time is not wasted in changing rooms and children are able to fully access the curriculum.  It is a firm expectation of the school that items from the formal and active uniform will not be ‘mixed and matched’.

Formal Uniform - (* only available from Headmaster’s School wear in New Mills)

  • School blazer * (Blazers must be worn at all times during the school day, and to and from school.  Teachers may give permission for blazers to be removed in the classroom.  During warm weather, students may remove blazers during lunchtime and breaks but place back on before entry into the classroom)
  • School tie – available from the school 
  • Regulation black pleated school skirt * no shorter than knee-length and no longer than mid-calf.  Correctly worn e.g.  skirt waistband not rolled up 
  • Regulation black tailored trousers; neither skinny, tight nor baggy; nor excessively flared; not denim, brushed denim or canvas fabric 
  • White shirt (not blouse) – short or long sleeved.  Shirts must be long enough to be tucked in at all times 
  • Plain black socks or plain, black opaque tights.  Black leggings will not be permitted. 
  • Sensible plain black leather or leather look shoes.  Canvas shoes, trainers or boots will not be permitted, platform/high heels not acceptable 
  • Skirts, trousers and shoes must be practical and formal, not fashion items, and worn correctly at all times 

Optional Items (girls and boys)

  • School jumper or tank top* 
  • Outdoor coat – sensible and fit for purpose.  Hoodies are not to be used as an outdoor coat.

PE kit

PE Kit should be brought into school with the student on days that they have PE lessons.

Our PE kit is as follows: 

  • Loose black unbranded knee length shorts or black unbranded joggers
  • Sports black leggings 
  • Black socks (suitable for outdoor PE)
  • Red polo shirt with school badge *
  • Trainers
  • Red New Mills logo hoodie*  worn under blazer – Hoods must be worn down 

Jewellery

The only permitted jewellery that may be worn is: 

  • 1 pair of earrings – small sleepers or studs only - no other piercings are permitted to be worn. 
  • 1 ring 
  • 1 wristwatch.     

Facial piercings including eyebrow, lip and nose studs, are not permitted on the school site by students, because of health and safety concerns.  If parents allow students to have such piercings, these should be done at the beginning of the summer holiday to enable the removal of the studs before the start of the new term.

Note: Jewellery is the responsibility of the pupil and not the school.  Lost or damaged items will not be refunded.

Accessories

  • Headbands must be plain black. 
  • Belts must be black 
  • Adornments relating to charities are only permitted when it is a school-based initiative.  For example, wrist bands, badges, keyrings etc 

Items banned include, but are not limited to:

  • Sunglasses 
  • Badges - other than the school badges or charity badges during a charity campaign. 
  • Hats - other than for the walk to and from school, unless specific permission given 
  • Hoodies (except for specific school hoodie) 

Cosmetics

  • False nails and nail extensions are not permitted 
  • Only clear nail varnish may be worn 
  • Make up, in moderation, is only permitted to cover blemishes.   Students wearing too much make-up will be required to remove it 
  • False eyelashes are not permitted 

Hair styles

The school will make a judgement as to whether the hairstyle presented is in keeping with the ethos and high expectations we have as a school. 

  • Hair may not be worn in extreme or outrageous styles.  (School will make a judgement on this) 
  • Students are not permitted to be shaven; bald; number one cuts; haircuts where patterns, stripes or letters have been cut into the student’s hair. 
  • Hair colour must be that of natural shades.  However, extreme combinations of natural hair colours are not permitted

Hair extensions may not be worn. 

  • We may ask students with long hair to tie their hair back in certain situations for health and safety reasons. 
  • Headbands can be worn but must be plain black. 

School Bags

Students must use an appropriately sized waterproof bag to carry their books and equipment.  It should hold A4 sized workbooks comfortably and without causing any damage.

Religious items and clothing

We do not discriminate, and welcome all students, regardless of faith or belief.  However, the school must also weigh the needs and rights of individual students against the cohesion and health and safety concerns of the entire school community.  Parents’ concerns and requests regarding religious clothing will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis and in accordance with the school’s complaints policy.  The school’s governors have regard to their responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010.  It is not considered to be appropriate that any student should be disciplined for noncompliance with a school uniform policy which results from any of the protected characteristics specified in the Equality Act 2010.