Sixth Form Business Dress Code

At our school, we believe that smart business attire plays an essential role in preparing students for their future, fostering a professional and respectful learning environment. Sixth Form students are expected to set an example to the rest of the school through their high standard of business-like dress and the way they present themselves.

Our Sixth Form dress code encourages students to present themselves in a manner that reflects the standards of a modern workplace, maintaining the smart appearance established in the lower school years. By adhering to this dress code, Sixth Formers contribute to the positive ethos of our school, demonstrate self-respect, and set a clear distinction between social attire and the professional dress expected during the working week.

The expectation is that a Sixth Form student should be able to leave the school site and immediately attend a formal interview without needing to change their appearance.

Purpose and Expectations

• The Sixth Form dress code is based on smart office wear.
• Students should be dressed appropriately for a professional environment and should be able to attend a formal interview without needing to change.
• Students must wear their lanyard and ID badge visibly at all times on the school site.
• Phones and earphones may only be used in the Sixth Form Learning Centre during break and lunch.
• Appearance is monitored regularly, and breaches will be addressed in line with the behaviour policy.

Core Principles

• Clothing must be smart, clean, and appropriate for a professional setting.
• Students must avoid clothing more suited to leisure, evenings, or weekends.
• Students are expected to maintain high standards of personal presentation throughout the school day.

What to Wear: Acceptable Business Attire

For all students:

• Tailored shirt with a tie
• Tailored trousers
• Professional dress or tailored skirt of appropriate length for a school environment
• Smart blouse, top or fitted shirt (shoulders must be covered)
• V-neck jumper, cardigan, or quarter zip quarter zip jumper worn over a tailored shirt (no tie required) or blouse
• Dark, smart shoes (e.g., brogues, loafers or formal flats). Footwear must be formal, dark in colour, and polishable.

Clothing must be plain or subtly patterned — no slogans, large logos or sportswear branding.

In warmer months, adjustments to the dress code may be permitted at the discretion of the Sixth Form Team.

Items Not Permitted

The following items are not acceptable as part of business dress:

• Outerwear: Hoodies, denim jackets, leather jackets
• Footwear: Trainers (including Converse, plimsolls), flip-flops, UGG-style boots, Dr Martens/DM boots
• Tops: Casual t-shirts, polo shirts, tops with slogans; midriff-baring tops, low necklines (below the collarbone), spaghetti straps, vest tops.
• Bottoms: Tight, jersey or “body-con” skirts or dresses; leggings, jeggings and jeans (even in black or dark denim)
• Sportswear: Sports clothing (tracksuits, team kits, gym leggings etc.) unless pre-agreed by a member of staff for PE, or Sports Leader activities

Hair, Jewellery and Makeup

• Hairstyles must be neat and suitable for a professional environment. Hair colour should be natural and not extreme colours.
• One small nose stud is allowed; no other visible facial piercings are permitted.
• Tattoos must be fully covered at all times.

Sportswear Expectations

• Students must change into appropriate sports kit for Games, PE lessons, Sports Leaders, or fixtures.
• Sportswear must not be worn to school unless authorised in advance by staff.
• All tops worn as part of sportswear should cover the shoulders — strappy or vest tops are not permitted.
• During warmer weather, shorts should be of a suitable length – appropriate for a school environment.
• Students must change into and out of sports kit during the school day as required, and should not remain in sportswear outside of their lesson or activity.

Monitoring, Guidance and Sanctions

• Tutors and Sixth Form staff will monitor student appearance regularly.
• Students will be reminded of expectations and given the opportunity to correct any issues.
• Continued non-compliance will result in behaviour points and sanctions:
  • Three breaches will lead to a C3 Centralised Detention.
  • Serious or repeated breaches may result in students being sent home to change.
  • If breaches persist, parents or carers will be contacted, and a meeting may be arranged to support the student in meeting the required standards.

If any aspect of a student’s dress is considered inappropriate, the judgement of  a member of the Sixth Form Team or Senior Leadership Team is final.

Summary

Sixth Formers are role models. Your appearance reflects your commitment to learning and respect for our school community. The business dress code is not simply about clothing — it’s about developing the mindset, habits, and confidence to thrive in the adult world.