The Marlborough Science Academy UNIFORM

A high standard of personal appearance is expected of all students:

Hair

• Hair should be well groomed, smart, clean and of natural colour.
• We ask that if hair bands or other hair accessories are worn, they are black or in the school colours.

Jewellery

• Jewellery is not permitted, except a watch and 1 pair of plain metal stud earrings for students with pierced ears - students are not permitted to cover piercings with plasters.
• No other types of facial or body piercings are allowed. This is to prevent any injuries that might occur.
• The school reserves the right to confiscate any inappropriate jewellery.

Makeup

• Make up should be subtle. False eyelashes are not allowed. Nail varnish should be clear; and should not be acrylic, French or gel.
• Tattoos are not allowed

General

• No jewellery is permitted to be worn in PE. Students will be expected to remove them for all PE lessons. The single set of earrings permitted must be removable.
• No socks over tights are to be worn.
• No hoodies may be worn on the school site.
• Hats should be of a ‘beanie’ style, in black.
• Scarves and gloves should be plain and in black.
• Gilets - plain black and hoodless are permitted.Without clear medical evidence supporting the wearing of alternative footwear you may be required to change into footwear provided by the school.
• Bags must be suitable for carrying books and equipment.
• All items brought to the school must be clearly marked with your name.
• The school reserves the right to confiscate any items not deemed to be school uniform.
• PE uniform must be worn to PE lessons.

Specific School Uniform

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Compulsory Branded Items

• School blazer with school badge which students are expected to always wear unless otherwise directed.
• School tie - top button fastened, tie knot up to the top button and tip of tie meeting the waistband

Other Specific items

• Black pleated skirt - no more than 10cm above knee. The skirt should not be rolled up, modesty is expected.  If wearing a skirt, black opaque tights must be worn (no knee length socks; no leg warmers; no leggings; no footless tights; no socks over tights). 
• During the Summer term students may wear black or white ankle socks instead of tights

During the summer term, tights are optional.

• Black trousers (no jean-style, Lycra, skinnies or leggings) and no fashion belts. 
• Ankle socks should be black or white in colour
• White shirt (short sleeved shirts are acceptable) tucked into the trousers or skirt.
• Black V-neck jumper (optional, but if you choose to wear a jumper it must be this style).

A branded version of this skirt is currently available to purchase from our official school supplier, while stocks last. Alternatively, standard generic versions can be bought from any high street clothes shop or supermarket.

• Black coat without logos (no denim or leather).
• Headscarf – black or school colours.
• School shoes – please refer to the school shoe checker guide.  Students should have another pair of shoes for use in PE lessons.

No jewellery is permitted to be worn in PE. Students will be expected to remove jewellery for all PE lessons. The permitted single set of earrings must be removable.

Compulsory Branded Items

• Performance Short Sleeve Training top with school logo
• Football shorts (black sport shorts with school logo)

Other items

• Footwear - Training shoes and football boots
• Sports Socks – plain black football socks, white sports socks for indoor and summer use
• Swimming trunks or Swimsuit
• Black Tracksuit Trousers (optional)

This item is currently available to purchase from our official school supplier, while stocks last. Alternatively, standard generic versions can be bought from any high street clothes shop or supermarket.

 

• Black sports leggings (optional) –

This item is currently available to purchase from our official school supplier, while stocks last. Alternatively, standard generic versions can be bought from any high street clothes shop or supermarket.

• Black Quarter Zip Training top (optional)

This item is currently available to purchase from our official school supplier, while stocks last.

• Base layer (optional but highly recommended)

Rugby Specific

• Rugby Shirt (optional but recommended)

This item is currently available to purchase from our official school supplier, sold as a reversible maroon and black version, while stocks last. Alternatively, standard generic versions in black can be bought from any high street sports shop.

• Mouth Guard

Confiscated Items

The school reserves the right to confiscate items that do not meet school regulations.

Items may be confiscated for a period of 3 weeks.

These items will be stored securely and returned to the student or parent/carer at the school’s discretion.

Parents/carers may be contacted if the item is not suitable for return to the student.

 

If a student is not in full school uniform if appropriate alternative clothing may be provided, or students will be sent to the Reintegration Room or home to change. We expect parents/carers to support us on all issues regarding uniform.

 

Supporting Families with Uniform Costs

We understand that the cost of school uniform can be a burden for some families. If you are experiencing financial difficulties, please do not hesitate to contact our finance or pastoral team in confidence. The school is committed to ensuring that every student has the uniform they need, and we are happy to explore ways we can assist you.

Second-hand Uniform

All proceeds for sales go to the PTA to help fund school projects. Donations of good quality, clean uniform can be made via school reception or can be collected within the St Albans area. Please contact the PTA at pta@marlborough.herts.sch.uk for more details. This is a PTA initiative.

Second hand uniform sales take place three times a year.  Please check the school website for more details or contact the PTA directly at pta@marlborough.herts.sch.uk.

 

The Marlborough Science Academy Suitable Footwear

As part of our uniform policy, we expect all students to wear the correct footwear. We understand that buying shoes is difficult as there are many different types of product that are marketed as school shoes.  Before purchasing any new shoes, please read through the information below to ensure you are buying a pair of shoes that is compliant with our uniform policy.

How to Measure for School Blazer/Uniform

Here are some general points on how to measure your child before purchasing their school blazer/uniform:

1. Before measuring your child, please ensure they are wearing thin clothes and are standing in bare feet.
2. Children are quite squashy! If you pull the tape-measure tight, the dimensions will get smaller, but when the garment arrives it will be too tight. The tape measure should feel a little loose, and it should be possible to slip 2 fingers under the tape easily.
3. Our garments leave room for movement - they are sized "to fit" not "as the garment". The actual amount varies by garment and fashion. Likewise, our recommendations will err on the larger size. We expect every garment to be wearable for a full year.
4. Please be aware of the units you are measuring in. We have lots of examples each year of customers mixing up inches and cm.

     The table below will help guide you as to what size blazer to purchase for your child. Each child is individual and can differ from the guides below, especially if your child is a little bigger, taller or smaller than average. 

All blazers are ordered using chest measurements, and to measure your child simply grab a tape measure and, ensuring that your child's arms are down by their side, measure the chest at the fullest part, placing the tape measure close up under their arms and keeping it level. Please ensure that the tape is not pulled too tight, you should be able to easily place a finger underneath.

 

 

 

 

From 1st july 2026, prices will be increasing as follows: 

Junior size Blazer – 28”, 30”, 32”, 34”, 36” - £28.00 (currently £27)

Senior size Blazer – 38”, 40”, 42”, 44”, 46”, 48”, 50” - £35.27 (currently £34)

Year 11 Tie - £7.90 (currently £7.62)

• School blazers can only be purchased directly from school
• Year 11 school ties are also available from school                                    

Please contact the Finance team at finance@marlborough.herts.sch.uk to purchase your blazer/Year 11 school tie.

Payment for blazers/Year 11 ties is made via the School Gateway payment portal; please click here to access the guide for assistance with this. 

Confiscated Items

The school reserves the right to confiscate items that do not meet school regulations.

These items will be stored securely and returned to the student or parent/carer at the school’s discretion.

Parents/carers may be contacted if the item is not suitable for return to the student.

If a student is not in full school uniform, if appropriate, alternative clothing may be provided, or students will be sent to the Reintegration Room or home to change. We expect parents/carers to support us on all issues regarding uniform.

Second-hand Uniform

All proceeds from sales go to the PTA to help fund school projects. Donations of good quality, clean uniform can be made via school reception or can be collected within the St Albans area. Please contact the PTA at pta@marlborough.herts.sch.uk for more details. This is a PTA initiative.

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equipment

Chromebooks are a part of your equipment, and it is compulsory for all years to have a Chromebook. 

Your Chromebook will be required to be brought to school each day. Please ensure that the Chromebook is charged at home so it is ready for the day ahead. If your child has a BYOD, a polite reminder if there is a technical issue, you must repair it asap in order to avoid your child’s learning being disrupted as we will not be able to source a loan Chromebook in school. In addition, the appropriate text and exercise books, or folders, plus any special kit or requirements (e.g. for Technology, Maths or PE) should be brought to each lesson. Textbooks and specialised equipment will be issued on loan, and you are expected to look after school property and return it in good condition when asked. You may have a locker for your personal use on payment of a deposit for the key that must be returned when required. Equipment can be bought from the Finance Office. Please contact Miss Roberts/Mrs Warren if you are unable to provide the essential items, and we can support you with this.

There is compulsory equipment as listed below, as well as desirable equipment. These are: a green pen, 1 set of coloured pencils, a highlighter pen and a glue stick.