UK School card 35x45 mm Photo Size Requirements for GB (2025 Update)

Requirements

• Photo dimensions: 35 mm wide × 45 mm high precision-cut photograph with tolerance ±1 mm
• Head size: 29–34 mm measured from chin to crown ensuring the head occupies about 70–80% of the photo height
• Head position: subject facing straight ahead, centred, with eyes on a horizontal line 30–35 mm from the bottom edge
• Background: plain light grey or cream non-textured backdrop free of shadows, objects, or patterns
• Facial expression: neutral expression with closed mouth, eyes open and fully visible, no smiling or frowning
• Lighting and contrast: even lighting to avoid shadows or glare on the face and background, true-to-life skin tones
• Glasses: allowed only if non-tinted, frames slim, lenses clear, with no reflection or frame covering the eyes
• Head coverings: permitted solely for religious or medical reasons, must not obscure any part of the face from chin to forehead
• Clothing: everyday attire only, no uniforms, camouflage, or large logos; hair must not cover the eyes or face
• Print quality: high-resolution colour print on quality photographic paper with no creases, tears, smudges, red-eye or pixelation

Step-by-Step Process

Content about UK School card 35x45 mm Photo Size Requirements for GB - process

Tips and Best Practices

• Verify Exact Photo Dimensions: ensure the final print measures precisely 35 × 45 mm with no cropping or stretching—it matters because even a 1 mm deviation can lead to automatic rejection by school administration.
• Center and Size the Head Correctly: position the top of the head 3–5 mm below the top edge and ensure the chin-to-crown height fills about 70% of the frame—misaligned or undersized heads look unprofessional and may not match ID verification systems.
• Use a Plain, Light Background: shoot against a uniform white or very light grey background to avoid shadows or patterns—busy backdrops distract from facial features and can result in photo refusal.
• Minimize Glare and Shadows on Face: remove glasses or ensure lenses are anti-reflective, and use even front lighting—reflections or harsh shadows can obscure eye detail and violate clarity requirements.
• Print at High Resolution on Quality Paper: use at least 600 dpi resolution, matte or semi-matte finish, and no ink bleed or pixelation—poor print quality reduces facial detail and risks non-acceptance by school ID systems.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a compliant UK school card photo sized 35 × 45 mm is essential for smooth processing and acceptance. Adhering precisely to these requirements—measurements, framing, background, expression, and quality—prevents costly delays and ensures your application meets Home Office standards.

Key Points:

• Photo dimensions: exactly 35 mm wide × 45 mm high
• Head size & positioning: face height 29–34 mm top of hair to chin, centered with ~3 mm margin above hair
• Background: plain light grey or white, no patterns or shadows
• Expression & pose: neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open, direct frontal view
• Glasses & headwear: clear, unobstructed eyes, anti-glare lenses allowed, religious head coverings permitted if face fully visible
• Clothing: everyday attire (no uniforms), avoid bright white tops that blend into background
• Image quality: high resolution (print ≥ 600 dpi), sharp focus, accurate colour, no marks, creases, reflections or shadows
• Printing & submission: on quality photographic paper or as specified by the school’s digital upload system

Following these guidelines precisely will help you secure swift approval of your UK school card photo.