Uniform

School Uniform and Appearance 

At The Saint John Henry Newman Catholic School, our uniform is a visible symbol of our shared identity, community and commitment to excellence. Wearing it with pride reflects dignity, respect, self-discipline and unity and contributes to the strong sense of belonging that we value at JHN. 

We aim to maintain a uniform that is smart, consistent, practical, inclusive and affordable. We are grateful to parents and carers for their support in helping students meet our expectations each day. 

Before Purchasing Uniform 

We strongly encourage parents and carers to check the school's current uniform guidance before purchasing new items, particularly footwear. 

Some retailers advertise shoes and other items as being suitable for school; however, this does not necessarily mean that they meet JHN's requirements. Our visual guidance provides examples to help families make appropriate choices and avoid unnecessary expense. 

Click here for: School Uniform Policy 2026-27 

Approved Uniform Supplier: SWI School schoolwear 

Key Uniform Expectations 

• Students should wear their uniform correctly and with pride throughout the school day and when travelling to and from school. 
• School shoes should be polished, plain black and low heeled. Trainers, boots and shoes with conspicuous logos are not permitted. 
• Kilts should be the official school Holyrood tartan kilt and worn on or just above the knee. Generic grey school trousers are a fully permitted alternative. 
• Hair should be conventional, of a natural tonal shade and worn off the face. Bright or unnatural colours, including coloured extensions or braids, are not permitted. JHN follows the Halo Code and applies its expectations consistently and without discrimination. 
• Jewellery and appearance should remain simple and appropriate for school. Students may wear a traditional watch and one pair of plain metal stud earrings in the earlobes. Smart watches, other jewellery, false eyelashes, obvious make-up, acrylic nails and nail polish are not permitted. 

Full details of our uniform and appearance expectations can be found in the School Uniform Policy 2026-27. 

PE and Sports Uniform 

Students are expected to have the correct clothing and footwear to participate fully in PE. 

The JHN polo shirt is a compulsory branded item for all students. The rugby shirt is compulsory for boys and the JHN hooded sweatshirt is compulsory for girls. Families have greater choice for some other items: for example, PE shorts may be JHN embroidered shorts or plain navy football/sports shorts, and sports socks may be JHN navy/white socks or plain navy knee-length football/sports socks. 

Please consult the full Uniform Policy before purchasing PE kit. 

Sixth Form Dress 

Sixth Form students do not wear the main school uniform. Instead, they are expected to follow a smart, workplace-appropriate dress code which recognises their increasing independence while reflecting their position as senior students and role models within the JHN community. 

Individuality is welcomed within this professional framework. The full guidance includes expectations for clothing, footwear, jewellery and appearance. Sixth Form lanyards must be worn at all times. 

Affordability and Second-Hand Uniform 

We recognise the cost of school uniform for families and are committed to keeping our requirements affordable and sustainable. 

Generic items may be purchased from any retailer, provided that they meet the specification in the policy. Only compulsory branded items need to be purchased from the school's approved supplier. 

Good-quality second-hand uniform is available to current and prospective families. Families experiencing financial difficulty are encouraged to contact the school. Requests for support will always be handled sensitively, and financial circumstances should never prevent a student from attending school, participating in PE or taking part in school activities. 

Reasonable Adjustments 

We recognise that there may be circumstances where an adjustment to our usual uniform expectations is appropriate. 

The school will consider reasonable adjustments relating to disability, sensory or medical needs, religion or belief, gender reassignment or other protected characteristics. Parents and carers who wish to discuss an adjustment should contact the Deputy Headteacher responsible for Pastoral Care. 

If There Is a Problem With Uniform 

We understand that there may occasionally be circumstances which mean that a student is temporarily unable to meet a uniform requirement. 

Parents and carers should contact their child's Learning Coordinator as soon as possible so that we understand the circumstances and can agree appropriate arrangements. 

Where an item needs replacing, we will work with families to allow a reasonable opportunity for this to happen. Where financial hardship, disability, medical need or another relevant circumstance may be involved, we will seek to understand and resolve the issue before considering sanctions. 

Our Uniform, Our Community 

We want students to take pride in belonging to JHN. Wearing our uniform correctly is one of the simple, visible ways in which students demonstrate that pride and their commitment to our shared standards. 

Please always consult the current School Uniform Policy and visual guidance before purchasing new uniform or footwear.