School Uniform Suppliers
Our uniform can be purchased from high street retailers, including supermarkets. We prefer pupils to have jumpers and cardigans with the school logo on. These can be purchased second-hand from our PTA and also from our uniform supplier:
The Uniform Company
St Matthews Primary Academy – The Uniform Company
Unit 3B Jubilee Buildings, Peverell Park Corner, Peverell Park Road, Plymouth PL2 3PG
01752 773560 info@theuniformco.co.uk
At the time of writing the costs of jumpers and cardigans range between £14 - £18 and are hard wearing. Standard ties cost £4.95
Lost property is stored in the school lobby and periodically taken out onto the playground for parents to look through. The school may take unclaimed lost property and wash it for re-use. Lost property is taken to The Uniform Store after a period of time. The Uniform Store in Plymouth city centre is able to give uniform out free of charge. This is not means tested and no referral from the school is needed. The address is: 93 New George Street, Plymouth City Centre, PL11RQ. Current opening times are Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10:00am – 1:00pm.
For families starting school with low income, or for new starters arriving from abroad, we may be able to provide uniform free of charge. Please enquire at the school office. Our PTA also stocks a selection of pre-loved uniform for low cost.
Our Uniform Transition
From September 2026, children joining Reception will wear a white polo shirt throughout Reception, Year 1 and Year 2. They will move to a white shirt and St Matthew’s jade green school tie when they begin Year 3. This change recognises that polo shirts are a comfortable, practical and age-appropriate choice for younger children, helping them to dress independently and take part confidently in all aspects of school life.
Children who are already in Years 1–6 in September 2026 will continue to wear a white shirt and school tie. The new arrangement will apply to future Reception cohorts as they move through the school.
Winter uniform
Summer uniform
Children may continue to wear the winter uniform or choose from the following summer options:
PE kit
Football kits are not acceptable as PE kit.
Skirts should be at or just above knee length.
Black jeans and leggings are not permitted in day-to-day school uniform.
Trainers, open-toed sandals, and large, thick boots are not considered suitable footwear for school. High heels are not permitted. Sensible, plain black shoes must be worn by both boys and girls.
St Matthew’s logo jumpers, cardigans and ties may also be purchased second-hand through the school.
Ties
Please note: From September 2026, children starting Reception will wear a white polo shirt throughout Reception, Year 1 and Year 2. This change is being introduced gradually, so children already in Years 1–6 in September 2026 will continue to wear a white shirt and school tie until they leave St Matthew's.
The school actively promotes the use of standard ties rather than clip on. The ties are cheaper to purchase and less likely to be lost. They are also more comfortable for those children that do not like the feel of a tie on their neck. (We will continue to make reasonable adjustments based on pupils’ individual needs.
Jewellery
The only permitted jewellery that may be worn is:
Jewellery is the responsibility of the pupil and not the school. Lost or damaged items will not be refunded.
All jewellery must be removed during practical lessons, for example PE/swimming. If children cannot remove their own earrings, then this should be done at home on the day of PE. For newly pierced ears only, ears should be taped over until it is possible for them to be removed for PE. It is not the responsibility of the class teacher to tape earrings.
We ask that if parents are going to have their child’s ears pierced, they do so at the start of the summer holiday so that healing time will not impact their learning in PE.
School Bag
Pupils must use an appropriately sized waterproof bag to carry their books and equipment. It should hold children’s reading books and diaries, and their water bottles, comfortably without causing any damage. Large bags/rucksacks are discouraged for day-to-day use due to lack of space on children’s pegs. School bags featuring inappropriate images, slogans or phrases are not permitted. The school will not be liable for lost or damaged school bags.
Hair Styles
Hair styles should be smart and moderate in style. Brightly coloured (dyed) hair is not permitted. Large, excessive hair accessories should not be worn. Small hair clips or plain headbands are acceptable.
Pupils with what could be deemed extreme hair styles may be exempt from the rule above on racial or religious grounds. The Headteacher will take each pupil’s scenario into consideration.
Long hair should be tied up. Hair longer than shoulder length must be tied up for PE. This is to avoid health and safety risks and ensure that vision is not impeded.
At the Headteachers discretion, there may be exceptions to the above in extreme circumstances, e.g. a pupil may be permitted to cover their hair if they have hair loss/illness.
Make Up
False nails and nail extensions are not permitted. Only clear nail varnish may be worn.
Pupils are not allowed to wear make-up to school. Pupils wearing make-up are required to remove it or, where necessary, will be sent home to remove it.
At the Headteacher’s discretion there may be exceptions to the above in extreme circumstances, e.g. a pupil may be permitted to cover heavy scarring/skin damage.
Labelling
School staff encourage good organisation of clothing and footwear, for example designated spaces for children to keep belongings in and checking of labels. However, all pupils’ clothing and footwear must be clearly labelled with their name.
Clothing and footwear are the responsibility of the pupil and not the school. Any lost clothing is to be taken to the lost property area. All lost property is retained for a term and is disposed of it is not collected within this time. Good quality items may be donated to the local School Uniform Shop or PTA if not claimed and collected within this time.
Equality
The school is required to ensure that this policy does not discriminate unlawfully. Every step has been taken to ensure that the cost of similar uniform items, for example trousers versus skirts, are not disproportionate. The school PTA can provide second-hand uniform for low cost. The school endeavours to ensure that our uniform is as gender neutral and inclusive as possible. We do not insist that children of any sex must wear specific items of clothing. We work in partnership with families to find solutions where uniform presents an issue for a child, e.g. due to sensory needs.