CLOTHING AND UNIFORM
All North Lanarkshire schools must have a dress code which encourages pupils to dress in a way which is appropriate to attendance at school. This dress code must not lead to direct or indirect discrimination on the grounds of race, religion, gender or disability. Prior to drawing up the dress code, parents, pupils and staff were fully consulted. It is the expectation of Education, Skills and Youth Employment services that parents will be keen to support the dress code and written agreement may be sought.
Clothing which is unacceptable in school under any circumstances include items which:-
- could potentially encourage factions (e.g. football colours)
- could cause offences (e.g. anti-religious symbolism or political slogans)
- could cause health and safety difficulties such as loose fitting clothing,
- dangling earrings, and other potentially dangerous jewellery.
- are of flammable materials which may be a danger in certain classes (e.g. shell suits).
- could cause damage to flooring.
- carry advertising in particular for alcohol or tobacco, and could be used to inflict damage to other pupils or to be used by others to do so.
Parents of Primary aged children in receipt of a clothing grant from the council will be encouraged to purchase items which are in accordance with the school dress code. Approval of any requests for such grants in other circumstances are at the discretion of the Assistant Chief Executive, Education, Skills and Youth Employment. (See section below on applying for Clothing Grant/Free School Meals.)
Whilst in general terms it would not normally be the policy of the authority to exclude a pupil from school solely on the basis of his/her dress, persistent refusal to respond to a reasonable dress code might be deemed to be a serious challenge of the head teacher’s authority and be detrimental to the well-being of the whole school community. In such circumstances, a Head Teacher may justify the use of the school discipline procedure.
The council wishes to minimise claims arising from the loss of pupil’s clothing and/or personal belongings. Parents are asked to assist in this area by ensuring that valuable items and unnecessarily expensive items of clothing, jewellery, etc are not brought to school. Parents should note that any claims submitted to cover the loss of such items are likely to be met only where the authority can be shown to be negligent.
St. Mary’s School Uniform
Pale blue school shirt/blouse
School tie
Dark blue jumper/cardigan
Dark blue trousers/skirt
PE Uniform
Dark blue shorts, white T shirt and gym shoes. All items of clothing should be clearly labelled with the child’s name and class. The school would greatly appreciate co-operation in this regard.
School ties and any crested uniform items can be purchased from Scotcrest, Airdrie, or online. Uniform items can also be purchased at local stores in school colours (Asda, Tesco etc.)
St Mary’s is a sustainable school, and we maintain a selection of pre-loved uniforms in the school reception area to support with ensuring all children have a school uniform. If you require any support with this, please do not hesitate to contact us for assistance.
Parents of pupils starting P1 may wish their son/daughter to wear a blazer. We employ a method of positive encouragement of pupils with regard to the wearing of school uniform as it represents the school so well within the community. Pupils are regularly praised for their excellent standard of school dress.
Parents who at any time may find it difficult to support the school dress code should contact the Head Teacher.
Applying for free school meals and clothing grant
Click here to access the form to apply for free school meals and clothing grant. You will need your National Insurance Number and bank details to complete the form.
Clothing grant payments will be made automatically for families who currently receive a council tax reduction for children detailed on their claim. This is for claimants who have previously applied and provided permission to check our records.
A text message/email will be sent once payment has been made.
If you have changed your bank details, you must inform NLC immediately to avoid your payment being delayed. Please provide a new sort code and account number along with your name, address, and national insurance number.
The deadline for school clothing grant applications for this school academic year is 31 March 2027.
All other applications for free school meals and/or clothing grants need to be submitted annually for each new academic year. Please see the eligibility details in the table below.

Payments
Applications will be processed as soon as possible. NLC will then contact you with a payment date.
For session 2026-2027 the clothing grant is:
- £155 for primary school pupils
- £180 for secondary pupils
Payment will be made by BACS payment directly into your bank/building society account.
If you have any problems regarding your payment you should call the team 01698 403203 or email fsm@northlan.gov.uk
Only one clothing grant will be paid for any pupil during a school year.




