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 in expense 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.

Here in Saint Matthew’s Academy we are determined to ensure our young people can achieve their potential in every aspect of life and work within the school. This ambition includes aspiring to the highest possible standard of school uniform.

Our reasons for aspiring to this high standard are as follows:

  • Uniform allows all pupils to show our school to be an establishment with ambition and one that is committed to educational excellence;
  • Uniform allows all pupils and students to show pride in their school and shows their commitment to our vision, values and ethos;
  • This commitment to our vision, values and ethos supports positive relationships which in turn encourages positive behaviour;
  • Uniform contributes to school security and personal safety;
  • Wearing of uniform encourages a strong and professional work ethic which enables pupils and students to focus on learning;
  • All pupils and students wearing the same uniform leads to a stronger sense of equality which promotes social justice;
  • Uniform frees young people from societal pressures to dress in a particular fashion or to ensure they have the latest style;
  • Uniform builds community.

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 blazer 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. Denim jackets are not school uniform and should not be worn. 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.

This school dress code has been agreed through consultation with parents.

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 blazers 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.