School Uniform

School Uniform Policy 

The school uniform is an integral part of our Code of Behaviour and reflects the values and standards of our school community. All students are expected to adhere to the following uniform guidelines:

1. Official Uniform Requirement

•           Only school uniforms purchased from authorised manufacturers and approved suppliers are recognised as official. Uniforms from other sources will not be accepted.

2. Uniform Components

•           Jumper

•           • Brand: Hunter Knitwear

•           • Style: SCKNH

•           • Colour: Navy/Sunshine

•           • Crested with the school crest

•           Blazer (Optional)

•           • Type: Varsity Blazer

•           • Colour: Navy

•           • Crested with the school crest

•           • Note: The blazer can be worn in place of the jumper or with the jumper.

•           • Note: Students in the school chamber choir must purchase a blazer as it is required for competitions.

•           White Shirt or Blouse

•           • Plain white shirt/blouse

•           • Polo shirts are not permitted

•           Tie

•           • Navy with teal/gold and brown stripe

•           School Jacket

•           • Style: Hybrid Hunter Padded Jacket

•           • Colour: Navy

•           • Crested with the school crest

•           • Compulsory for 1st to 3rd Years- no other coat is permitted to be worn on campus (phased in 1 year at a time)

•           • Optional for other years

•           • O’Neill’s jackets already owned may be worn

•           • No other jackets are permitted on campus (with the exception of Senior students, TY, 5th & 6th years who are permitted to wear their own coats at break and lunch ONLY-students are advised to store them in their lockers during the school day for safe keeping)

•           Skirt

•           • Brand: Hunter

•           • Style: HMCS

•           • Colour: Blue/Grey/Silver

•           Trousers

•           • Girls: Casablanca Girls Lily School Trousers – Grey/Turquoise (Pinstripe)

•           • Boys: Mid Grey School Trousers (e.g., Virginian, Whites, Banner)

•           Tights/Socks

•           • Colour: Navy or Black

•           Footwear

•           • Shoes or Smart Shoe Runners are acceptable-see attached photo

•           • Material: Leather or Leather Effect

•           • Colours: Black, Brown, Navy (for shoes); Black only (for shoe runners)

•           • No visible logos allowed

•           • Canvas runners and light canvas-type shoes with no or very slight heel are not permitted

•           • Shoes must be practical and hard-wearing

•           • The school will determine if footwear is acceptable

•           • Students must have the correct footwear at the start of the academic year

•           • You may seek advice from the school before purchasing, even during August

3. Physical Education (PE) Gear

•           • Available from approved stockists and the O’Neills website

•           • Currently optional, but a compulsory PE uniform is under consideration for 2025/2026

•           • Students must have the requisite gear and equipment, clearly and indelibly marked

•           • Safe and appropriate footwear is required for all activities

4. Prohibited Items

•           Hoodies, sweatshirts, or half-zips are strictly prohibited on school grounds.

•           School crested sports gear is not a substitute for school uniform.

5. School Outings and Trips

•           • Full uniform must be worn in school prior to departure and upon return

•           • Students will be informed in advance if uniform is not required during outings/trips

6. Daily Presentation

•           • Students are expected to present in full uniform daily

•           • School Management reserves the right to decide what is inappropriate in terms of uniform and presentation

•           • Failure to comply with the uniform policy is a breach of the school’s Code of Behaviour

•           • Uniform checks will take place throughout the year

•           • All students must adhere to the uniform policy for all state and house exams

7. Approved Stockists

•           • Duffy’s Drapery, Portumna

•           • Lolipopz, Portumna

•           • Dervans, Loughrea

•           • School Wear Centre, Galway

Breaches

•           Teachers may refer breaches of school uniform to the Year Head. If a student is out of uniform during the day, the class teacher checks the journal/VSware. If the issue is signed or recorded by the Year Head, it is regarded as being dealt with. If not, the student is referred to the Year Head at the end of class.

•           The Year Head issues a warning to the student and may contact home. Repeat offences by the student will result in escalation in the referral system. Refusal to wear the school uniform is in breach of the school’s Code of Behaviour.

All students are expected to adhere to the school uniform policy as an essential part of our school ethos. In cases where students persistently fail to comply with the policy without a valid reason, the school may implement appropriate disciplinary measures in line with the school’s Code of Behaviour. These may include meetings with parents/guardians, detentions. written warnings, or other proportionate actions.