Our Business Dress Rationale

Our Post 16 students wear business dress rather than school uniforms. We believe this:

  • Encourages students to be more aspirant; take care of their appearance and therefore encourages them to have more pride in themselves and their work
  • Prepares students better for the workplace and university
  • Gives students greater scope to take care of their appearance, meaning they will have to act more like adults and prepare how they look and communicate with the wider world.
  • Differentiates Post 16 students from school pupils.
  • Gives a smart businesslike appearance which means students are regarded positively in the local and wider community
FemaleMale
  • Smart jacket with trousers, skirt or dress
  • Appropriate blouse or top (not low cut or off the shoulder)
  • Tights must be worn with skirts or dresses
  • Shoes - smart shoes with heels up to 1½ inches
  • Smart boots are allowed not UGG type boots
  • No baggy jumpers
  • No shorts
  • No sandals or shoes/boots with open toes, for health and safety reasons
  • No facial piercings or substitutes
  • Business dress jewellery may be worn
  • Smart suit (can be 3 piece)
  • Shirt and tie of choice
  • Tie must be worn with shirt collar fastened and tie length to reach the top of trousers/belt
  • Smart shoes
  • No shorts
  • No baggy jumpers/hoodies beneath suits
  • No sandals or shoes/boots with open toes, for health and safety reasons
  • No facial piercings or substitutes
  • Business dresss appropriate jewellery may be worn

It is the responsibility of the student to maintain the boundaries of acceptable business dress and presentation. In all cases the judgement of the Head of Post 16 will be final on matters of acceptable dress and presentation.

Guidance

  • Further guidance about the interpretation of this dress code can be sought from the Head of Post 16.
  • Students are encouraged to seek advice if they are unsure about the suitability or an item before purchasing it.
  • Students should consult with the Head of Post 16 before having a facial piercing as it will need to be removed in term time or wearing an item of clothing about which they are unclear as to its suitability.