Uniform Policy

There are many sound practical reasons for having a compulsory College uniform.  Perhaps the most obvious reason is that it removes the burden of having to decide what to wear each day.  The uniform however has a great deal to do with the kind of ethos we are aiming to achieve at Slemish College.  Students are encouraged to take a pride in themselves and their appearance at all times.  Parents are asked to give their vital support in maintaining the very high standards, by adhering strictly to the Uniform Policy.

The uniform also helps to establish a sense of identity. Students should feel proud of the uniform and their association with the College.  As students move out into the community, the image they present helps to establish and maintain our identity in mid-Antrim and beyond.

UNIFORM POLICY

Slemish College has a distinctive uniform of which we are justly proud, our students are ambassadors for the college and it is essential that all students adhere to the compulsory uniform. 

Acceptance of a place at the College implies support for the College Uniform Policy.

It is compulsory that students wear the official College Uniform at all times during school hours, on journeys to and from Slemish and for official College functions.

The uniform is as follows:

Girls

1. The College blazer with the correct school badge is to be worn daily, to and from school and at all times when moving about the school.  The blazer can be purchased through the sole supplier.
2. College navy coats are available through the sole supplier.  Students may also wear a plain navy waterproof coat but it must not have any logos/brand names.
3. The College “V” neck jumper can be purchased through the sole supplier.
4. The College tie can be purchased through the sole supplier.
5. A white shirt (winter/spring terms) white blouse (summer term). A white revered collar short sleeved blouse may be worn in the summer term only  ie  final term after the Easter holidays.
6. Years 8 and 9:  College grey skirt to be worn no shorter than 2” above the knee. 
   Years 10, 11 and 12:  Longer length College grey skirt with kick pleats.  The skirts can be purchased through the sole supplier.
7. Black opaque tights of 60 denier, available from the sole supplier.  In exceptionally hot weather, Years 8 and 9 may wear grey socks (one pair only) and Years 10 - 12 may wear 20 denier flesh - coloured tights, during the third term only.
8. All students should wear plain black, sensible shoes.  Shoes with distinctive fashion features, training shoes or patent leather shoes are not permitted.  Shoes should have
   heels no more than 2” high measured from where the heel and sole joins the leather
   of the shoe at the back.  Heels should be fit for purpose and not ‘fashion heels’.
9. Hairstyles are expected to be neat, tidy and sensible.  Long hair should be tied back at all times.  Ribbons etc should be only in school colours, blue and yellow.
10. Make-up, nail varnish, hair extensions, or excessively highlighted or tinted hairstyles, may not be worn.
11. Jewellery - one plain ring and one set of stud earrings may be worn (in ear lobe only). 
    Nose/body piercing is not acceptable.  All piercing should be done at the beginning of summer break in order to allow the ear, nose or body part to heal prior to commence of school as this will allow the jewellery piece to be removed.

Girls P.E. Uniform

1. College yellow polo shirt can be purchased through the sole supplier.
2. College blue shorts can be purchased through the sole supplier.
3. College sport socks can be purchased through the sole supplier.
4. College tracksuits are available through the sole supplier or students may wear a plain navy tracksuit without any logos/brand names.  However, for team sports the official team tracksuit must be worn.

Boys

1. The College blazer with the correct school badge is to be worn daily to and from school and all times when moving about the school.  The blazer can be purchased through the sole supplier.
2. College navy coats are available through the College.  Students may also wear a plain navy waterproof coat but it must not have any logos/brand names.
3. The College “V” neck jumper can be purchased through the sole supplier.
4. The College tie can be purchased through the sole supplier.
5. A white shirt.
6. Black trousers.
7. Black socks.
8. All students should wear plain black sensible shoes.  Shoes with distinctive fashion features, training shoes or patent leather shoes are not permitted.  Shoes should have heels no more than 2” high measured from where the heel and sole joins the leather of the shoe.
9. Hairstyles are expected to be neat, tidy and sensible.  Hair which is excessively highlighted or tinted or closely cut (number 2 or less) is not acceptable.  Long hair worn below shirt collar should be tied back.  Except for religious reasons, boys should be clean shaven.
10. Jewellery - one plain ring and/or stud earrings may be worn (in ear lobe only).  No nose studs will be permitted.  All piercing should be done at the beginning of summer break in order to allow the ear/ nose or body part to heal prior to commencing school as this will allow the jewellery piece to be removed.

Boys P.E. Uniform

1. College rugby shirt can be purchased through the sole supplier.  The College blue polo shirt may also be worn.
2. College shorts can be purchased through the sole supplier.
3. College sport socks can be purchased through the sole supplier.
4. College tracksuits are available through the sole supplier or students may wear a plain navy tracksuit without any logos/brandnames.  However, for team sports the official team tracksuit must be worn.

General

1. Badges and pins other than the College Crest and official school badges are not allowed.
2. An official College scarf may be worn.  This is the only acceptable scarf.  Plain navy-coloured gloves and hat may be worn.
3. School bags must be plain and strong enough to hold and protect school books.  Sport bags e.g. Adidas, Le Coq, Sportif, Nike are recommended.  Those with names of football teams are not acceptable.  Bags must be clean and kept free of decoration and/or graffiti at all times.  Similarly other football merchandise must not be brought into the College.
4. If a parent is in any doubt about any item of uniform the Principal will gladly assist before a purchase is made.

Sole Supplier

• In Gear, Wellington Street, Ballymena   (until October 2007)
• Sams, 2-6 Wellington Street, Ballymena (from October 2007)

PLEASE NOTE

The governors have agreed that students and staff may wear a shamrock on and during the week of St Patrick’s Day, 17 March and/or a poppy on and during the week of Remembrance Day, 11 November.

It is school practice to have assemblies to mark these occasions.