Appearance and Dress
Appearance and dress
Pupils are expected to be well turned out at all times: their clothes should be clean, in good repair, and worn properly. Their general appearance should be smart and tidy. The reasons why the School regards a smart appearance as important are:
- A smart appearance shows a good level of self-respect
- It is a clear indicator of respect for others and a desire to be a part of the community
- It contributes to a purposeful working atmosphere
- For older students in particular, maintaining a smart appearance is part of their preparation for adult life, where smartness helps ensure acceptance and credibility in professional working environments.
Hair should not be ostentatious in style or colour but must be clean, tidy and of a reasonable length at all times. Hair should only have one natural colour in order to be defined as not ostentatious. A reasonable length may be understood for boys as being off the collar and, for all pupils, as being out of the eyes – this also contributes to safety in a number of activities such as science lessons, design technology work and some sporting activities. Uniform (or Sixth Form dress) should be worn to and from School, at School, and when representing the School.. Boys must be clean shaven. Hooded tops are not permitted when worn with school uniform or Sixth Form dress.
- Pupils are expected to be smartly dressed at all times. Whilst playing outside during lunch, top buttons may be undone and ties loosened (but not removed). However, once inside any school buildings, at any time of day, the normal requirements apply: shirts must be tucked in, top buttons done up and ties worn properly.
- Boys’ hair should not be ostentatious in style or colour but must be clean, tidy and of a reasonable length (off the collar) at all times and be of one natural colour.
- Girls’ hair should not be ostentatious in style or colour and be of one, natural colour. Girls’ hair must be tied back for activities such as Games, and for Science, Art and DT lessons.
- Uniform (or Sixth Form dress) should be worn to and from school, at school, and when representing the School.
- Pupils must not leave school in Games or sports kit of any kind unless leaving after 5.30pm.
- Pupils must be clean shaven.
- Hooded tops/tracksuit tops are not permitted when worn with school uniform or Sixth Form dress.
Sixth Form Dress Code
Boys:
Smart business-wear that is not ostentatious in style, pattern or colour, comprising:
Suit of a formal style; Tie; formal business shirt
Formal black polishable shoes (not boots or suede shoes or trainers)
A plain cardigan, plain waistcoat or V-necked plain pullover may be worn under a jacket. Hooded tops/tracksuit tops are not permitted.
Discreet belt, through belt loops, if required.
Overcoat of sober colour.
No make-up or jewellery. Tattoos should not be visible.
Girls:
Smart business-wear that is not ostentatious in style, pattern or colour, comprising:
- Suit: matching skirt and jacket / matching tailored trousers and jacket
- Skirts must be tailored and be no shorter than knee length/no longer than mid-calf.
- Skirts may have a small slit at the back (max 9cm). Slits at the side or front are not permitted. Hems must be straight.
- Trousers should be full length.
- Blouses must be tailored, collared, buttoned and sleeved. Short sleeves are acceptable.
- Jumpers or cardigans may be worn under jackets. They must be v-neck and plain. Hooded tops/tracksuit tops are not permitted.
- Discreet belt, through belt loops, if required.
- If tights are worn they must be black or flesh-tone only and in good condition.
- Shoes must be black and polishable, flat or with a low heel and in a conventional style. No stilettos, platforms, sandals, trainers or boots.
- Overcoat of sober colour.
- Discreet, minimal makeup and jewellery only. Tattoos should not be visible.
The overall effect of Sixth Form clothing should be one of smartness, lack of ostentation and appropriateness within a conventional business context. The school shall be the sole arbiter in respect of all three of these requirements. Students who are unsure about the suitability of particular items of clothing must consult with the Head of Sixth Form or Head of Upper School before purchasing, or before wearing such items to school.
Non Sixth Form School blazer with plain dark grey formal trousers
School tie, never tucked in
Plain white formal shirt, always tucked in
Black, polishable, formal shoes (not boots or suede shoes or trainers), with black laces
Plain dark socks
V-necked pullover, mid-grey to black
Overcoat or anorak of sober colour
No items of jewellery to be worn
In the Summer Term only, from a date to be announced by the Headmaster in assembly, boys in years J- 5 may remove their blazers/jackets after formal assembly but must continue to wear their ties correctly while in the school buildings. While travelling to and from school, boys in years J – 5 must, as in other terms, wear ties, properly tied with collars fastened, and also blazers or jackets (for girls and boys in the Sixth Form).
Shirts/blouses must be formal in style and of the colour approved for the appropriate section of the school but may be either long or short sleeved. Long-sleeved shirts/blouses may be rolled neatly to the elbow.
The School reserves the right to send home pupils who choose not to comply with expectations of dress and appearance.
Updated: June 2011
