It is the policy of North Ayrshire Council to support the introduction of a reasonable and flexible dress code in schools in its area. Such a dress code has many benefits including improved safety, security, discipline, school and community spirit and a decrease in bullying and inexpense for parents. Certain types of clothing are not allowed for reasons of safety, decency or discipline including articles which:
- are a health and safety risk;
- may damage the school building;
- may provoke other pupils;
- are offensive or indecent;
- encourage the use of alcohol, tobacco or drugs.
St Matthew’s Academy has a school uniform which encourages and supports a sense of identification with the school. All pupils, therefore, are expected to wear uniform at all times. The uniform for St Matthew’s Academy is as follows:
- white shirt / blouse;
- school tie (striped for S1 – S4; crested for S5 – S6);
- black skirt / trousers;
- black jumper / cardigan;
- school jacket with badge
- black shoes.
Trousers and skirts should be smart and modest and extremes of fashion should be avoided. Hipsters, denims, shorts, tracksuit trousers and casual trousers are not permitted. Jumpers and cardigans should be plain (i.e. no logos) and should allow the school tie to be visible. All items of clothing should be clearly labelled with the child’s name in case of loss.
Both the crested and striped school ties will be available for direct purchase from the school at very reasonable prices. A fitting and ordering service for school jackets will take place prior to the summer break.
Parents receiving jobseeker’s allowance or income support, family credit, housing benefit or council tax rebate will normally be entitled to grants for footwear and clothing for their children. Information and application forms may be obtained from schools or from Education & Skills, Cunninghame House, Irvine, KA12 8EE.