‘Strikes’ system helps school uniform focus

A school is continuing a focus on appropriate uniform after a number of reports of shirts not being tucked in and girls rolling up their skirts.

The head of the Minster School, Southwell, Mr Matthew Parris, said: “Our focus on school uniform continues.

“Wearing the uniform correctly, which includes not wearing excessive make-up or any jewellery other than ear studs, is an important part of being ready for learning, encouraging positive behaviour and removing distractions which otherwise get in the way of life in school.

“We have operated a ‘strikes’ system where students receive a detention if they are caught three times in the same week.

“This has had a positive impact, particularly at the start of the day and movement time. The numbers receiving three strikes has fallen quickly.

“We will be extending this to focus on break and lunch times, where we ask students to wear the full uniform correctly when they are moving around the building.

“Blazers do not need to be worn in the dining room, shirts should be tucked in at all times and skirts should not be rolled up.”

Mr Parris said some parents had reported issues with the school skirt’s zips and buttons.

He said the manufacturers responded that these issues most commonly occur when the skirt is rolled up.