Secondary School Uniforms in Isle of Man Schools

Consultation research

Opinions on school uniform and the appropriateness of the questions to be asked as part of the consultation have been sought from school leaders and student focus groups. The points below came out as part of this research and may be of benefit to respondents:

• Schools would like parents/carers to know that they are happy to be approached if concerns arise about the acquisition of uniform. In the past, schools have been able to donate new and/or pre-worn uniform/footwear to families in their communities who are unable to acquire items for whatever reason. Some schools have hardship funds and fundraise for these as part of their community work.
   
• Some schools are increasingly organising events to swap/acquire used uniform/PE kit items, usually advertised through their social media channels.
   
• Schools are happy to hear from parents who would like to be involved in supporting buy/sell/swap/donate events.
   
• Schools referenced parents/carers raising concerns about the cost involved in replacing items of lost uniform. Schools seldom experience items going missing permanently, but each school is left with a considerable volume of unnamed lost property each academic year. When lost items are clearly labelled with the student’s name, they are often quickly returned to the owner.
   
• Students suggested labelling all items of uniform/PE kit with indelible pen, whilst some highlighted that initials can be embroidered into items by local businesses for a charge, or name labels can also be purchased from some suppliers.
   
• Lost items that cannot be returned to their owner are kept for an appropriate length of time by schools, but are ultimately laundered and donated to other families if not claimed.
   
• PE departments have a stock of items that they lend, or sometimes donate, to students who may not have access to the required items for lessons.

Comparison tables

Comparison tables based upon current uniform policies/guidelines by secondary school. 

Costs are based on the purchase of a two pack of trousers or two skirts and a three pack of shirts, all from a major retailer with presence on Island, in October 2022. In addition, we have compared prices with either a school branded blazer (where worn) or an unbranded blazer with a separate badge. Examples are all based upon a Year 9 student wearing age 13-14 year old items and a blazer between 38” and 44” chest. These cost comparisons do NOT include the price of footwear or other items such as school bags, as how much is spent on these items is very much at the discretion of parents/carers.

School Uniform

Total figures based upon:

1. Three pack of shirts, twin pack of trousers (boys’ or girls’ fitting), school tie and branded blazer (* for QEII this package includes one school branded jumper).
    
2. Three pack of shirts, two skirts, school tie and branded blazer (* for QEII this package includes one school branded jumper).
    
3. Three pack of shirts, twin pack of trousers (‘boys’ or ‘girls’ fitting), school tie and unbranded blazer with separate school badge (*for QEII this package includes an unbranded blazer with a school logo embroidered onto it at a charge of £5.00 from a local supplier. This service is optional.)
    
4. Three pack of shirts, two skirts, school tie and unbranded blazer with separate school badge (*for QEII this package includes an unbranded blazer with a school logo embroidered onto it at a charge of £5.00 from a local supplier. This service is optional.)

PE Kit

The following table shows the requirements for PE kit across the Island's secondary schools.