Post 16 smart dress code

The dress code is compulsory for all Post 16 students. The objectives of the dress code are to help:
• Ensure our students are empowered and ready to work and succeed
• Promote self-esteem amongst our students
• Ensure our students are safe and respected
• Provide our younger students with appropriate role models
• Prepare students for the world of work beyond school
• Provide our wider community with a respectful image of our school

Members of post 16 will be expected to set a high standard in their personal appearance. Students will be seen by the rest of the school and will therefore be expected to act as role models and set an example for all other students in their personal appearance.

What is expected?

  • Smart/formal skirt (of appropriate length for professional, school environment)
  • Smart/formal dress with sleeves (of appropriate length for professional, school environment)
  • Smart/formal blouse with sleeves (no crop tops)
  • Smart/formal jacket or suit
  • Smart/formal shoes or boots
  • Smart/formal trousers
  • Smart/formal collared shirt and tie (ties are optional during the summer term only)
  • Smart/formal jumper (no hoodies or sweatshirts)
  • Single small stud piercing

It is the role of the student to maintain the boundaries of acceptable business dress and presentation. Students should consult with a member of the post 16 staff team before wearing an item of clothing about which they are unclear as to its suitability. Students should think about whether an outfit is appropriate for a place of work or an interview. Students who fail to adhere to the dress code, will incur a formal warning, followed by further sanctions if failure to comply continues.

Students who study PE, drama and any other subject that requires alternative dress, will be allowed to get changed during the school day. They are not allowed to come to school in PE kit, drama clothes etc., for the full school day. Students will be offered protective overcoats/aprons for relevant subjects.

The judgement of the principal will be final on matters of acceptable dress and presentation.