Business Dress for Our Workplace

Our dress code reflects the high expectations and professional ethos of the Sixth Form.

The way you present yourself helps to create positive first impressions, build respectful relationships and demonstrate the standards expected of Sixth Form students.

As a guide, when deciding how to dress, aim to present yourself as you would for an interview with a top university or employer. For some trips, such as Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, students will be permitted to wear non-business dress.

Identity lanyards

Identity lanyards are considered part of our dress code. Students are expected to wear their identity badges when on school premises. This is in line with the school safeguarding policy (see our policies page).

Lost or damaged lanyards will need to be replaced at a minimum cost of £2.50.

Required

The following business dress should be worn at all times:

  • Skirt* or tailored trousers (including tailored shorts)
  • Smart shirt, blouse or top
  • Suitable formal footwear

*Skirt length should be closer to the knee than the hip.

Optional

The following business dress may be worn if desired:

  • Smart jacket
  • Suit
  • Thobe or Khamis
  • Smart dress*
  • Smart jumpsuit
  • Smart jumper or cardigan
  • Waistcoat
  • Tie
  • Hijab, Al-amira or Abaya
  • Niqab

Outdoor coats may be worn when appropriate, but these should be removed inside school buildings.

*Dress length should be closer to the knee than the hip.

Not Acceptable

The following clothing items are not acceptable:

  • Jeans, denim or leather clothing
  • Short/crop tops
  • Vest tops, strappy tops and bare shoulders
  • Shirts/tops with slogans
  • Sweatshirts, fleeces and hoodies
  • Leggings (or legging style trousers)
  • Ripped tights or stockings
  • Trainers, casual shoes or other unsuitable footwear (e.g. flip flops)

Personal Appearance

  • A natural make-up appearance is permitted
  • Discreet jewellery is allowed – up to two pairs of earrings and one discreet nose stud
  • Hair colour needs to be of a natural, subtle shade. We adopt the Halo Code.
  • No visible tattoos

Our Expectations

As a Sixth Form student, you are expected to dress in line with our business dress standards. We ask you to take responsibility for maintaining these standards and representing the Sixth Form positively within the school and wider community.

If you do not meet the standards, you will be sent home to amend your dress. Failure to do so may result in you being denied access to lessons for the day. Further instances will result in you being asked to remain at home pending a meeting with parents/carers. Students who are not wearing the correct business dress will be denied access to school trips.

If you or your parents/carers are in any doubt about suitable items, please contact the Sixth Form before purchasing.

Financial Support

Financial support is available for those eligible for the 16-19 student bursary. Visit our Financial Support page for further details.