Uniform

The primary retailer for The Downs School is Skoolkit: https://www.skoolkit.co.uk, however many unbranded items can be purchased from other retailers to make the cost of school uniform more affordable for parents and carers. The school also hold regular second hand uniform sales which are communicated via email and our school Facebook page.

We are extremely proud of the smart appearance of our students and feel that our high standards of uniform make a significant contribution to the positive behaviour of students in the school.  The school staff are grateful for the on-going support of parents and carers in ensuring their children come to school dressed smartly and in accordance with our uniform policy. This support is incredibly helpful to the school staff, especially Heads of Year and tutors, who work hard to maintain high standards of uniform.

The school’s uniform policy, together with other key policies, is on the school website, but for convenience please find below the uniform for students in Years 7 to 11:

Uniform for students in Years 7-11

• From September 2022, new students to the school should only wear black blazers, skirts and trousers, as the school is gradually moving to a single colour of uniform. Students who already have navy blazers, skirts and trousers may continue to wear these, although all students should be wearing the black uniform by September 2024. Students may combine navy and black items of uniform as they gradually phase replace old items of uniform.

• Following requests from some parents and carers, students will be permitted to wear black leather trainers until January 2023, although after this date this kind of footwear should not be worn.

• Navy blue or black blazer with school badge

• Navy blue or black smart tailored trousers worn above the hips or 'A' line skirt with front inverted pleat, which must be no shorter than just above the knee. (Skoolkit navy skirt: Code No GS3V-NVY). Banner black skirt: Code No: 3590). No other styles are acceptable. (Note: These must match the colour of the blazer);

• Navy blue or black V-neck jumper (sweatshirts, even school sweatshirts, should not be worn instead of the V-neck jumper);

• Hijab, if worn, should match blazer and skirt/trousers;

• White shirt, which should be tucked into the waistband at all times; the top button should always remain fastened;

• House tie, which should display at least five stripes; 

• Black or dark brown (not tan) shoes, with heels no higher than two inches. Shoes should be made of a polishable material such as leather and should not have visible logos. Trainers and platform shoes must not be worn. Shoes should protect and support feet to comply with the school’s Health & Safety regulations;

• Belts, if worn, should be discreet and in black or dark brown;

• Dark socks to be worn with trousers;

• Plain white, black or navy socks or navy blue or black tights to be worn with skirts;

• Outdoor coat which covers the blazer (coats should not be worn instead of blazers).

Students in Years 7-11 are not allowed to wear jewellery to school. Parents who wish their children to have pierced ears should get the ears pierced at the start of the holiday, to give the piercings enough time to heal before the students return to school in September.

If you have any questions about uniform, please contact your child’s form tutor.

Skoolkit Price list for 2024