At ISA, we have a strict dress code to ensure the focus is on academics and not fashion. A school uniform plays a valuable role in contributing to the ethos of our school and sets an appropriate tone and appearance. We want the wearing of our school uniform to instill a sense of pride, support positive behaviour and discipline, and encourage a sense of identity and belonging. Furthermore, the wearing of the ISA uniform ensures equality for students of all races and backgrounds. Hence, students’ personal appearance should therefore reflect respect for themselves, their school and the community.
All students are required to wear the necessary school uniform when attending school, representing the school, or when participating in a school-organised event outside normal school hours, unless special permission is granted. School uniforms are available for purchase from the School Office and the prescribed dress code for each age-group is in the table below.
| Age Group | Uniform |
| Reception, Y1 and Y2 | Short sleeved shirt (in light blue) with the school’s logo on the pocket + shorts/skirts in navy blue with side pockets and belt loops. |
| Year 3 – 9 Boys | Short sleeved shirt (in light blue) with the school’s logo on the pocket + shorts in navy blue with side pockets and belt loops. |
| Year 3 – 9 Girls | Short sleeved shirt (in light blue) with the school’s logo on the pocket + skirt in navy blue. |
| PE – All | Royal blue shorts and shirt sold at the School Office, appropriate footwear and a sun hat in school colours. The school Polo shirt may also be worn for PE. |
| Friday Wear-All | African-print dress, or African-print skirt and matching top for girls. African-print short-sleeved shirt for boys – to be worn with school uniform shorts. |
School Uniforms
Uniform shirts must be tucked into shorts. Girls’ skirts should be knee-length; jewellery should be kept to a minimum and nail polish should not be worn.
Hair
Good grooming of hair, skin and finger nails is expected at all times. Hair should be neat and tidy and of a natural colour. For boys, hair must be kept short and neatly trimmed. Extreme styles and colours other than black are not acceptable. Long hair must be tied back if requested by a teacher. For girls hairstyles, please use your discretion to ensure that nothing can come off easily in the swimming pool. Single braids are not allowed, beads are not allowed, cornrolls are allowed and extensions should be of natural colour, natural hair can be styled without beads. Long hair should be kept away from the face- teachers may request hair to be tied back.
Shoes
Shoes must be plain black, closed-toed and with no heel. They must be practical, completely attached to the feet with a sturdy sole for health and safety reasons and be worn with a pair of white or black ankle-length socks. Shoe laces must be fastened at all times. Slippers, flip flops or Crocs are not allowed (unless for wearing with swimming clothes.)
Jewellery and Make-up
Girls with pierced ears may wear one stud in each ear and a wristwatch but no other jewellery is acceptable e.g. no hanging or loop earrings or other piercings are permitted. No earrings are permitted for boys, or nose rings or other visible body piercing of any sort for either sex. Similarly, make-up, including nail polish, acrylic and false nails, are not permitted.
Hats/ Headgear
Students are encouraged to wear hats and caps (in school uniform colours) while participating in activities outdoors, due to health concerns of prolonged or excessive exposure to direct ultraviolet radiation of sunlight. Nevertheless, slogans, images and designs must be discreet. Hats are not permitted indoors.
Swim Wear
Appropriate swimwear, along with a towel and a swimming cap for girls with long hair, is required for swimming lessons. Girls should wear a one-piece swimming costume.
Friday Wear
In line with the school’s respect for local traditions, children wear African prints on Fridays. The ISA fabric is available for sale from the school office and can be sewn into school-appropriate styles.
Meeting the Dress Code - The Role of Parents and Staff
We ask all parents and caregivers who send their children to our school, for their support of the school uniform/ dress code policy. We believe that parents have a duty to send their children to school correctly dressed and ready for their daily schoolwork. We look for, and welcome, full parental support in this regard and request that all items of school uniform are clean, presentable and in good state of repair for the start of the school day. Parents should ensure that their child’s name is written on all items of clothing.
In the event that a parent has difficulties fulfilling this request, they are asked to speak to the Principal in utmost confidentiality Any student with medical reasons, wishing to wear clothing/ footwear other than that described above, must provide a medical professional’s letter explaining the reason why, and the length of time that the requested clothing or footwear change, will apply.