At Gillingham School, we place great importance on school uniform as a means of fostering a strong sense of community, identity, and pride. Our uniform policy reflects the values and culture of our school and supports a positive learning environment.
The uniform policy applies to students in Years 7–11, with a separate dress code in place for Sixth Form students.
Ties and badges can be purchased from the school library
In cases of financial hardship, please contact the relevant Head of Year
From September 2026, the UK government regulations mandated that secondary schools limit compulsory branded uniform items to a maximum of three, plus a branded tie.
Wearing the Gillingham School uniform is central to:
Communicating high expectations and ambition, taking pride in appearance reflects pride in learning.
Creating a sense of identity and belonging, which is vital for student wellbeing and school spirit.
Focusing on learning by removing distractions and the pressure of choosing what to wear.
A 2021 study by the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) found that school attire should “reflect the values and culture of the school”—a principle that underpins our uniform policy.
At all time school uniform must be worn as the manufacturer intend. This includes:
Wearing trousers securely at the waist, and at ankle length
Ensuring skirts are worn at the correct length and not rolled up
Altering the fit or appearance of uniform undermines the purpose of a consistent school dress code.
Any member of staff who notices a student not complying with these expectations will ask the student to adjust their uniform immediately. This will be done calmly and respectfully, and students are expected to comply without argument. Refusal to comply will result in the student being referred to an SLT ‘Natural Consequence’ lunchtime correction.
Makeup, hair colour, and style should also be appropriate for a place of work
Jewellery & accessories, earrings must be appropriate for a place of work and not present a health and safety risk. They must be removed for PE lessons. Makeup, hair colour and style should also be appropriate for a place of work. No facial jewellery or fake nails.
Our school uniform is of a standard colour.
Shirts, trousers, skirts, socks and footwear are available to purchase from a variety of retailers and supermarkets.
Uniform items with school logo and ties can be purchased from:
Navy blue jumper or cardigan with embroidered school logo; school blazer optional
Black tailored school trousers, flared black leggings/trousers or Navy-blue pleated skirt worn knee-length
Dark charcoal or black socks or tights
Plain black footwear with no logos
During periods of particularly hot weather, students may be permitted to wear tailored black shorts. This decision will be made by the school based on weather conditions, with parents notified accordingly.
Any exceptions to our uniform policy that do not meet approval are considered not acceptable.
Years 8-11 are not part of new Year 7 pilot scheme. Students are to wear the usual PE uniform for their PE lessons and school uniform at all other times:
Navy shorts/skort/leggings
White T-Shirt*
Red Sweatshirt/Hoodie**
Mouth guard and shin pads
Trainers
Boys: Football boots (studded or moulded)
Boys: Rugby shirt
*This can be replaced with the Gillingham logo navy round neck or polo shirt crested top if preferred from our uniform suppliers.
**This can be replaced with the Gillingham logo navy ¼ zip sweatshirt crested top if preferred from our uniform suppliers.
Students will change into this kit for PE lessons and clubs. If they have a lunchtime sports club, they can remain in their kit for lesson 5 if they choose.
It is essential that all students wear the appropriate kit for the activity they are participating in
Compulsory additional kit
Footwear
Seasonal option
Mouth guards/gum shield and shin pads
Trainers
Hat, gloves and a base layer for cold weather
Plain navy shorts or skort
Boys: boots for rugby / football, but can also be used for cross country
Short white socks
Girls: due to access to facilities, football and rugby will be taught on the Astro so boots will not be required for these activities though can be used for cross country
PE Uniform is to be plain in colour as stated, and have no logos, stripes or branding. We want to reduce the pressure and cost of wearing branded garments.
Students should wear appropriate attire, and adhere to Health & Safety in Physical Education remove jewellery, tie back long hair, and ensure footwear provides adequate support.
September 2026: Year 7 only pilot scheme
On days Year 7 students have PE timetabled, we are trialling a pilot scheme. This gives Year 7 students the option to wear the new unisex PE uniform to school and throughout the day if they choose to do so. The alternative option is that they come to school in their usual school uniform and change for PE at the start/end of the lesson.
The PE uniform that can be worn all day on PE days (Option A) is shown below. Any items that differ from this will not be permitted. Students must wear their PE uniform smartly throughout the day.
Option A: PE Uniform
PE Uniform worn all day on PE days. Main school uniform worn on all other days.
Plain navy open-hem stadium pants
Navy ¼ zip sweatshirt with embroidered school logo
Navy T-Shirt round neck/polo with embroidered orheat-transfer school logo
Trainers
Students will also need PE kit items as appropriate:
Plain navy shorts/skort/leggings (if they want to change from the stadium pants in their PE lesson)
Mouth guard/shin pads
Boys: football boots (studded or moulded) and a rugby shirt
Hats, gloves and a base layer for cold weather
No logos or branding on any non-Gillingham School items
Option B: PE Kit
Main school uniform worn every day. Students change into PE Kit at start of lesson and return to school uniform after.
Plain navy shorts/skort/leggings
Navy T-Shirt round neck/polo with embroidered orheat-transfer school logo
Trainers
Students will also need PE kit items as appropriate:
Mouth guard/shin pads
Boys: football books (studded or moulded)
Boys: rugby shirt
Hats, gloves and a base layer for cold weather
No logos or branding on any non-Gillingham School items
Sixth Form dress code
Our Sixth Form are role models in our school. Their dress should reflect their position in the school and the responsibility that comes with this.
The purpose of Smart Monday is to give students a taste of a professional environment and prepare them for interviews, work placements, and future careers. Sixth Form students also assist at formal school events and attend trips to career-focused settings where smart dress is expected.
Expectation:
Formal or business attire (e.g. smart trousers/skirt, shirt/blouse, optional blazer).
No jeans, hoodies, trainers or casual wear.
The Sixth Form are expected to act as role models to the lower school. If a member of staff considers a student’s appearance to be inappropriate, the matter will be addressed calmly and respectfully. Refusal will result in the student being referred to the Head of Year.
Clothing should still reflect a working environment—neat, tidy, and appropriate for an office or school setting.
Avoid overly casual items (e.g. ripped jeans, slogan tops, baggy trousers, very tight or short items).
