About the School

Balcarras School Uniform

This is designed to provide a smart and admired working outfit for school at a reasonable cost. Apart from the important considerations of pride in the school, parents should be glad not to have to face the constant question: "What shall I wear today?". School uniform has much to commend it. Details of the Balcarras clothing are as follows:

o Black blazer with school badge in House colour
o Black or dark grey trousers
o Medium grey skirt - maximum 10 cm above the knee
o White shirt
o School tie
o Black or grey 'V' neck pullover (not cardigan)
o Black or grey socks (girls may wear white socks or black tights in cold weather)
o Black shoes

The following are NOT regarded as suitable school wear:

Short, tight-fitting or slit skirts, jeans, cord trousers, denim/leather jackets, hooded tops, football scarves, 'fun' badges, sweatshirts, track-suit tops, boots/trainers/brown shoes, sleeveless coats.

If in doubt about whether or not a particular article of clothing is suitable please ask the school before buying.

In the interests of safety all pupils are expected to wear sensible footwear on the school premises. High-heeled, sling-backed or studded footwear must not be worn. Trainers are not permitted, except for physical education activities.

The most common infringement of uniform regulations is for pupils to have their shirts out – please encourage your child to tuck theirs in. Extreme hair styles are not allowed. We expect hairstyles to be smart, tidy and appropriate for school. If in doubt, please contact a house head prior to any change.

No jewellery apart from watches should be worn. Again this is mainly in the interests of safety, for in the rough and tumble of the playground, rings, ear-rings, etc can easily cause injury. Pupils with pierced ears may wear up to one stud in each ear lobe, NOT sleepers. There is also the problem of security, as jewellery would have to be removed before participation in physical education activities. The PE staff will take in and lock away, if necessary, watches and money, but the school cannot accept responsibility for loss of articles involved.

Summer Uniform

The governors have approved the new school summer uniform which may be worn from the start of each Summer Term. Both boys and girls will be able to wear polo shirts, which have the house colours piped on the collar and sleeves and are available from The Famous. For this year only, girls will be allowed to wear the fitted blouses and boys will be allowed to wear the former polo shirts with blue piping. Blazers will not be required in the Summer Term, but can be worn. Pupils will also be able to continue to wear winter uniform if they prefer to do so. If you have any queries, please contact your child’s House head.

Physical Education

In order to take part in the school's Physical Education programme each pupil should have as part of their school uniform:

Girls

o Plain white T-shirt
o Grey wrap-over games skirt
o Plain black shorts
o Non-marking trainers
o Astro shoes (optional)
o White socks
o Black games socks
o Towel
o Balcarras sweatshirt and jogging trousers (optional - available from school)
o Gum shield (optional - available from school)
o Shin pads (optional - available from school)

Boys

o Plain white T-shirt
o Red (reversible hoop) rugby shirt
o Plain white shorts
o Plain black shorts
o Non-marking trainers
o Football boots
o White socks
o Black games socks
o Towel
o Gum shield (optional - available from school)
o Shin pads (optional - available from school)

Garments that are worn during normal lessons are not to be worn for PE.

The Balcarras badge and tie

The Balcarras tie is available for purchase from the school at £3.50.The Balcarras badge is available from the school and The Famous at £5.50. A coloured strip is incorporated into the blazer badge in the colour of each House. Please ensure you purchase the correct House badge, ie Foley - Green; Graveney - Yellow; Ottewell - Blue; Selvey - Red.

Balcarras school clothing is available from leading local stockists, including The Famous.