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

Requirements

• Dimensions: photo must measure exactly 35 mm wide by 45 mm high with no white borders
• Head size and placement: distance from chin to crown must be 29–34 mm and eyes positioned 11–16 mm from bottom edge
• Background: plain light grey or off-white background with no patterns, shadows or textures
• Expression: neutral facial expression with closed mouth, relaxed face, both eyes open and clearly visible
• Recent image: taken within the last six months, accurately reflecting the applicant’s current appearance
• Colour and print quality: sharp, in full colour, on high-quality photographic paper with no creases or smudges
• Lighting and contrast: even, without shadows on face or background, no red-eye, with natural skin tones
• Head coverings: not permitted except for religious or medical reasons; must not obscure hairline, forehead, eyebrows or face edges
• Glasses and accessories: no tinted lenses or heavy frames; glare-free, eyes fully visible; no headphones, scarves or toys
• Clothing: plain, non-reflective attire—school uniform is acceptable; no logos, badges or busy patterns
• Single subject: only the applicant appears in the photo; no other people, objects or parts of another person visible

Step-by-Step Process

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

Tips and Best Practices

• Precise Size Compliance: always crop or print your photo to exactly 35×45 mm with the head height between 29–34 mm because incorrect dimensions are the most common reason for school card photo rejections and cause processing delays
• Uniform White Background: use a plain, light-coloured backdrop free of shadows, textures or objects because uneven backgrounds can confuse biometric systems and lead to immediate refusal
• Neutral Expression and Open Eyes: maintain a relaxed, natural face with closed mouth and fully visible eyes because exaggerated smiles or squinting often fail automated face-detection checks
• Correct Head Positioning: centre the head in the frame with the chin 2 mm from the bottom and the crown 2 mm from the top because off-centre images are frequently cropped improperly or returned for re-submission
• High-Resolution, Matte Print: print at a minimum 600 dpi on quality photo paper using a matte finish to avoid reflections and pixelation because low-quality prints often degrade during lamination or scanning and get rejected

Conclusion

Adhering strictly to the 35 × 45 mm school card photo specifications for Great Britain ensures smooth processing, avoids costly delays and rejections, and reflects the student’s identity accurately. By following these clear, measurable guidelines—covering dimensions, head positioning, background, lighting and expression—schools and parents can submit compliant photos with confidence.

Key Points:

• Photo dimensions: exactly 35 × 45 mm (width × height)
• Head size: 29–34 mm from chin to crown apex
• Background: plain, light grey/cream/white, no patterns or shadows
• Pose & expression: full face forward, neutral expression, eyes open, mouth closed
• Head positioning: centered, no tilt, with equal space around sides
• Lighting & quality: even illumination, no glare/shadows, sharp focus, true-to-life color
• Eyewear: if worn daily, use clear lenses only, ensure no reflections
• Age & recency: photo taken within last month to reflect current appearance
• Print requirements: high-resolution (300 dpi), matte finish, two identical copies

By keeping each requirement in check, you guarantee a compliant GB school card photo—saving time, avoiding stress and upholding official standards.