Uniform and equipment

Parents who seek admission to The Cowplain School are assumed to be fully supportive of the uniform requirements.

The final decision on all matters of uniform and personal appearance rests with the Principal and the Leadership Team.

The Cowplain School Uniform

  • Plain white shirt with traditional collar
  • The Cowplain School tie *
  • The Cowplain School blazer *
  • Plain black jumper or sleeveless slipover
  • Plain black narrow belt, no wider than 3cm
  • Plain black straight legged school trousers with functioning button and zip (skinny legged, cropped or leggings are not allowed)
  • The Cowplain School pleated skirt *
  • Plain black shoes - should be sturdy and waterproof, low heeled and fully enclosed; colours, visible logos and canvas shoes are not acceptable. A guide to suitable school shoes can be found in Resources.
  • Coats should be weatherproof, front opening and not have large logos. Hoodies, tracksuit tops and denim are not permitted.
  • Hats and caps should not be worn on the school site, gloves and scarves should be removed in lessons.
  • All students are expected to wear The Cowplain School blazer over the jumper or slipover.

 * These items must be purchased from a uniform supplier.  Our current supplier is Skoolkit in Havant or online at www.skoolkit.co.uk; however, others may be available.

PE Kit

  • Plain black shorts that are loose fitting and at least fingertip length
  • The Cowplain School polo shirt ** (or plain white polo shirt)
  • The Cowplain School half-zip PE top ** (optional, not for rugby)  A plain, warm top (not  hoodie) is acceptable for outdoor PE during cold weather.  Please note, this must be a different top to the jumper worn with the school uniform.
  • The Cowplain School Rugby shirt ** (optional)
  • Long green football socks for lessons on the Astro
  • White (sports or ankle) socks for all other PE lessons
  • Sports trainers (not plimsolls)
  • Gum shield (compulsory if studying rugby)
  • Shin pads (recommended for hockey and football)
  • Football boots to have short rubber studs  (Compulsory for lessons on the Astro for at least 12 weeks of the year.) Examples of football boots, that can and cannot be worn on the Astro, can be found in Resources.
  • Navy blue or black tracksuit bottoms (not leggings) may occasionally be permitted for outdoor wear only during cold weather, at the teacher’s discretion.
  • Students should have a complete change of clothing for all Physical Education activities. Outdoor activities take place whatever the weather.

Click here for PE Kit Expectations letter.

 ** These items can be purchased from a uniform supplier.  Our current supplier is Skoolkit in Havant or online at www.skoolkit.co.uk; however, others may be available.

Appearance

  • Hairstyles should be neat, tidy and appropriate for a school environment. Patterns such as tramlines or zig-zags and dyed colours that are not natural are not permitted. This does not apply to natural or protective hairstyles associated with a student’s race, culture or religion.   
  • Jewellery: one small plain stud may be worn in each earlobe and a wristwatch. No other jewellery is permitted. All other jewellery may be confiscated and held until the end of the school day.
  • Second Piercings are not permitted on Health and Safety grounds set out by The Cowplain School. Students will be asked to remove extra studs and the fact that the piercing is in the process of healing will not be an acceptable reason.
  • Nose piercings are not permitted, including those with clear retainers.

Exceptions to these expectations may be considered on medical, cultural or religious grounds. Any such requests should be made in writing and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

  • Make up is not permitted in Years 7, 8 or 9 and should be discreet in Years 10 and 11.  False eyelashes and excessive eyeliner is not considered discreet. 
  • Nails: gel and acrylic nails are not permitted on Health and Safety grounds and students will be asked to remove them.  Nail varnish is not permitted in any year group.
  • Coats should be weatherproof, front opening and not have large logos. Hoodies, tracksuit tops and denim are not permitted, and may be confiscated and held until the end of the school day if a student repeatedly puts them on.
  • Hats, hoods and caps should not be worn on the school site, gloves and scarves should be removed in lessons.

Equipment

Students must come to school every day with the correct basic equipment.  These items are checked in Reflection Time by their Tutor, and positive points awarded for those students who arrive fully equipped to school. They are:

  • A pen (and a spare)
  • A pencil
  • A ruler
  • A green pen
  • A scientific calculator
  • Planner (supplied by the school)
  • Mobile phone pouch (supplied by the school) as of Sept 27

Please note that the 4-colour retractable pens with black and green ink do meet the equipment requirements.

 The following item would be highly recommended:

  • A highlighter
  • A whiteboard pen
  • A bag suitable to carry equipment for school

The following would be useful:

  • Colouring pencils or pens
  • A protractor
  • A set of compasses
  • A pencil sharpener
  • An eraser
  • A pencil case