As we come towards the end of a very busy Spring Term, it is a good opportunity to remind all members of our school community of the high expectations we have at Cowbridge School. We, therefore, wish to ensure that all students, parents and carers are fully aware of the following in relation to the school uniform.

Cowbridge School believes that the school uniform promotes a sense of belonging, identity, community and cohesion within the school and, as such, we insist that all students who attend the School adhere to the School Uniform Policy. Student voice is an important aspect of the School’s ethos and the overwhelming majority of students who attend Cowbridge School support the requirement to wear a uniform. However, recently, it has become apparent that there are a number of students in each year group who are failing to adhere to our Uniform Policy. The main contraventions are: 

• skirts which are shorter than the 5cm above the knee allowed and / or are of a stretchy / lycra material;
• wearing leggings at times when students do not have a PE lesson; 
• footwear which is not black in colour; 
• non-school jumpers / wearing hoodies;
• wearing excessive jewellery, including nose piercings

The School pays due regard to Welsh Government statutory guidance (May 2023), particularly in securing equality of treatment between pupils and taking into consideration cost and affordability. Cowbridge School is a formal, professional environment and wearing a uniform that promotes these values helps to prepare young people for life beyond school and for occupations for which they may be required to wear a uniform or adhere to a particular dress code. 

The Cowbridge School uniform does not dictate items of clothing on the basis of gender and is as follows:

School Tie (compulsory) 

Year 7: Black with red stripe

Years 8 -11: Black with blue stripe. 

School Jumper (compulsory)

Years 7-11: Black, red band on V-neck, embroidered school badge. 

Skirt 

Plain black skirt (neither too revealing or tight; no lycra). Skirt length must be no shorter than 5 centimetres above the knee. 

Trousers 

Plain black tailored trousers. No leggings or overly tight, revealing trousers will be permitted. No jeans/jeans style in black or otherwise. 

Shirt/Blouse 

Years 7-11: Plain white shirt that is suitable for tucking into skirt or trousers.

Footwear 

Plain black (with no logos), low heeled footwear. Backless footwear or flip flops are not acceptable. High heels must not be worn. No other colour is acceptable. 

Topcoat 

A smart and practical all-weather coat that can be worn over the uniform. Hooded, fleece style tops, denim clothing or leather jackets are forbidden for school use. 

Hair 

Hair must be of natural colours only. It is not permissible to have any part of the hair in unnatural colours or shades of unnatural colours e.g. pink, blue, green, yellow etc. No tram lines, including insignia and patterns, are permitted in any length of hair. In practical areas, hair which is shoulder length or longer must be tied back. 

Make-Up 

Make-up may be worn; however, it needs to be natural and suitable for a professional workplace. No false eyelashes, lipstick or excessive make-up is permitted. 

Jewellery 

Jewellery is restricted to a watch and one pair of small studs. No other jewellery is permitted. Earrings must be small and not extend beyond the earlobe to ensure health and safety of all. 

Nails 

Nail varnish may be worn; however, it should be of a discreet colour. Nails must be of a safe, practical length so as not to cause injury to self or others. No false nails or extensions are permissible as these breach health and safety. 

Physical Education 

Black t-shirt / polo shirt;  

Black shorts / black skirt;  

Long sleeve, durable sports top (for warmth);  

Black sports socks;  

Sports trainers / boots, suitable for the activity;  

Black tracksuit bottoms (optional);  

Shin pads for hockey / football;  

Gum shield (advised). 

(Students are not required to wear a designated school sports kit with a logo.)

Parents/carers are required to support the School’s uniform rules and, as such, we ask you to ensure that anything you purchase for your child complies with the above. We are aware that the vast majority of parents/carers have provided clothing for your child which meets these expectations and we are grateful to you for this. However, it is noted that some students are choosing to leave home in non-compliant alternatives and we would appreciate your help in ensuring that the uniform you have purchased is the one they are actually wearing to school. 

Following the Easter break, and on our return on 13th April 2026, we will be conducting a thorough check on all students’ uniforms and will enforce the policy strictly. We politely request, therefore, that you use the next few weeks to ensure that your child fully complies with the policy. Failure to comply with the above uniform code will result in your child being asked to change or being sent home to remedy the non-adherence. No student will be required to leave school without parental/carer contact and permission but, should staff be unable to contact parents/carers, students will be educated away from their timetabled lessons. 

All items of clothing may be bought at any store, as long as the correct colour/style is adhered to. Badged items and school ties are available from The Pencil Case, Cowbridge and Uniform2Go, Bridgend. Please contact the school if you have a query regarding suitable styles or suppliers; financial support to purchase the school uniform is available to families who meet certain criteria.