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Supporting primary and secondary schools across Essex and North & East London, BMAT is a growing multi-academy trust with a singular vision: schools, teachers and pupils freed to succeed.

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School Uniform

At Sir Frederick Gibberd College, we believe in demonstrating our individuality through character, kindness, and how we treat others, rather than through appearance or material possessions. We encourage our pupils to understand that what truly matters is not what we wear, but who we are—our words, actions, and a kind heart. We do not support the promotion of consumerism through designer clothes, branded items, jewellery, or make-up. Instead, we want our pupils to value inner qualities over outward appearance.

Our school uniform achieves three important goals:

  1. It fosters a sense of community, identity, and pride. Wearing the same uniform encourages pupils to think beyond themselves, placing the needs of the community at the forefront.

  2. It cultivates lifelong good habits. By caring for their uniform—cleaning shoes, folding trousers, or hanging up blazers—pupils develop self-discipline and personal responsibility.

  3. It promotes equality and prevents unkindness. By adopting a simple, low-cost uniform and discouraging jewellery, make-up, or branded clothing, we eliminate the pressure to keep up with fashion trends. This ensures that all pupils are seen for who they are, not for what they own. As a result, we focus on building strong character, kindness, and shared values.

Following the latest government guidance on school uniforms, we have reviewed our uniform policy to ensure it remains compliant while continuing to reflect these values. The guidance advises schools to limit the number of compulsory branded uniform items. Therefore, from September 2026, the compulsory branded uniform items will be:

  • School blazer with SFG logo

  • School skirt (SFG navy kilt with yellow piping)

  • PE polo top with SFG logo

  • SFG clip-on tie

All other SFG branded uniform items will continue to be available from our uniform supplier for families who wish to purchase them, but they will now be optional rather than compulsory.

We will continue to uphold our expectation that students do not wear clothing or accessories displaying commercial or fashion brands, such as Nike, Adidas or similar, as part of their school uniform. This helps maintain a smart, consistent appearance and ensures that no student feels under pressure to wear particular labels.

We believe that school should be a place where all students feel safe, comfortable and free from unnecessary social pressures. We recognise the increasing influence of social media and the expectations it can place on young people regarding appearance. Our expectations around make-up, jewellery and personal appearance are intended to protect students from these pressures and ensure that the focus remains on learning, character and personal development.

For this reason, only students in Year 11 are permitted to wear make-up, and it should be subtle and natural in appearance. Make-up is not permitted for students in Years 7 to 10.

Additional facial or body enhancements are not permitted for students in any year group. This includes, but is not limited to, fake tan, enhanced or laminated eyebrows, false or acrylic nails, nail extensions, temporary tattoos and similar cosmetic enhancements.

Students may wear one earring in each ear. Earrings must be plain metal studs or small diamond-style studs. No other jewellery is permitted.

Our expectations regarding school bags also remain unchanged. Students should use a rucksack-style bag with two shoulder straps, as this supports good posture and contributes to their health and wellbeing by distributing weight evenly. Families are welcome to purchase the official SFG school backpack, although this is not compulsory. If you choose an alternative, we ask that it is plain, non-branded and has two shoulder straps.

School Uniform

  • Navy blazer with SFG logo (compulsory branded item)

  • Navy jumper or cardigan (optional)

  • Plain straight-leg navy trousers or SFG navy kilt with yellow piping (kilt is the compulsory branded item if worn)

  • Light blue collared shirt (must fasten at the neck)

  • Navy and yellow SFG clip-on tie (compulsory)

  • Plain navy or black socks or tights

  • Plain, unbranded black flat shoes (no trainers, boots, logos or Kickers)

  • Plain, unbranded black or navy coat (optional)

  • Rucksack-style school bag with two shoulder straps. The official SFG backpack is available but optional. Any alternative should be plain and non-branded.

PE Kit

  • Navy PE polo top with SFG logo (compulsory branded item)

  • Navy zip sweatshirt (optional)

  • Navy PE shorts or tracksuit bottoms with SFG logo (optional branded item)

  • PE bag with SFG logo (optional branded item)

  • Plain navy PE socks

  • Plain, unbranded all-black trainers

Although not included as part of the school PE kit, students may wear plain navy or black base layers (skins or leggings) during colder weather, typically from the second half of the Autumn Term until the end of the Spring Term.

We believe these changes strike the right balance between complying with government guidance, giving families greater choice and preserving the strong sense of identity, equality and belonging that our uniform provides.

If you have any questions or require support with school uniform, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@bmatsfg.org.uk. Some items of second-hand uniform are available from the school at no cost.

School Uniform is available from Top Form

Sports Kit is available from Create Identity

 

Second Hand Uniform is available at no cost to parents/carers, please contact your child's Head of Year for more information.

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