School uniform
School uniform is an important part of our school's culture and identity.
We wear uniform for many reasons, but perhaps most of all to build a sense of being part of a team, supporting family finances by reducing competition in clothing and improving security, by allowing us to quickly identify students.
To ensure no family faces financial barriers we have put in place strong financial support, with full details below. Our school uniform leaflet is also pasted below, along with some answers to commonly asked questions.
Thank you to our students and families, as ever, for your ongoing support in ensuring all of our students look smart as part of the Preston Lodge team.
Uniform - Frequently Asked Questions
We often discuss school uniform with students and are regularly asked questions by families. Our approach to enforcing uniform will continue to be encouragement and discussion.
What counts as school shoes? We ask students to wear black, comfortable shoes without logos or excessively high heels. The key thing is that all shoes should be plain black, and should avoid white rimmed soles or sports logos. Skate shoes (e.g. Vans), Converse boots, deck shoes or Uggs should not be worn unless they are all plain black. Put simply, students should wear plain black shoes!
What about jumpers and cardigans? Students sometimes wear jumpers or cardigans in school colours with large pictures on them, stripes, spots or lace. We ask students to wear plain, self-coloured black, grey or maroon jumpers or cardigans. Stripes, patterns, lace or other variations are not part of our dress code.
Is a hoodie enough? Students who wear hoodies should wear a shirt and tie underneath. This allows hoodies to be removed in warm classrooms, without compromising school uniform.
What about jeans? Smart black or grey trousers, shorts or skirts are required and jeans should not be worn. There is some crossover here – smart canvas trousers can be worn, but students should not wear heavily studded denim trousers. Students should not wear trousers/leggings with fashion rips in them or with large sports logos/messages on them.
Are leggings or joggers allowed? Leggings are allowed, providing they are thick, plain black, and have no sports logos on them. Joggers are not appropriate as school uniform.
Is there a minimum skirt length? There are strongly held views on either side of such an approach, and we do not polarise opinion by enforcing a minimum skirt length. However, clothing items which are so short or revealing that they may cause offence to others are not accepted. We simply ask students and families to make good decisions here, and when we consider skirts, for example, to be inappropriately short we contact families.
Are shorts OK? Yes. However, we have the same expectations around short length as skirts. No hot pants! Sports shorts are not suitable for school, and should not be worn, other than in PE lessons
What about crop tops? Crop tops should not be worn. All shirts should be tucked in, or cover the tops of trousers or skirts.
Do ties need to be done up to the top button? We have concluded that this is not the right way forward, given that students engaged in meaningful learning should be comfortable at all times. However, the tie is a very important part of our school community and we ask students to knot their ties at or just below the top button of a shirt.
What about make-up and jewellery? We do not have any specific restrictions about make-up but we do think that moderation in all areas of life is a good thing! More importantly, jewellery or piercings which may cause health and safety problems for the wearer or others must be removed.
Our school uniform plays a key role in developing a sense of equality, belonging and pride in our school. We will always find sensible solutions to complex issues that are supportive of both students and their families.
Financial Support
Clothing Grants
Some families are eligible for a Clothing Grant. If this may apply to you, please visit the Free School Meals and Clothing Grants area of the East Lothian Council website for further information.
If you would like some help completing these forms, support is available on the East Lothian Council website, or email admin@prestonlodge.elcschool.org.uk. We will be happy to help you.
Community Fund
We are able to offer immediate support to all families who need it, breaking down financial barriers to learning.
Our Community Fund is available to all families once a school session, and second requests are considered on a case-by-case basis. We very much encourage families to apply for a confidential, quick grant if they need support.
Grants are usually in the region of £30 to £50, but all applications are considered individually. Applications can be made by students, families, staff, and members of the wider community.
An application form is available on the Community Fund page and you are welcome to email admin@prestonlodge.elcschool.org.uk if you have any questions.
PreLoved Uniform Exchange
Information and how to order can be found on the Equity page
What should students bring to school?
It is very important that students have a school bag, to bring items in and out of school. On the first day back we will check that all students have a suitable school bag.
The items that should be in that school bag are:
· Pens/Pencils/ruler/rubber/sharpener
· A calculator – Maths will advise new students on when to get what. No new S1 need purchase a calculator now!
· One or two full water bottles.
· Optional: A packed lunch and snacks.
We will have a limited supply of school bags and stationery equipment available free to all students/families who are unable to secure these key items. Students should visit our school office on Monday or Tuesday if they would like to pick something up before school starts, or speak to their Head of House once we get up and running. The Community Fund can be used for school items, too, though!