The Appearance Code for Sixth Form students welcomes a wide range of styles and gives room for originality and creativity, while upholding the need to dress appropriately for a working day as an adult in the professional environment of a school in the 21st Century.
The school community includes students from 11-18 and staff from their 20s to their 70s. All members of the community need to dress in a way that reflects the school’s ethos and be mindful of the modelling they provide to others, especially younger students.
‘Appropriate’ means ‘what belongs’ in a particular setting.
The following, mostly based on the Code of Conduct for Staff, provides a guide to Sixth Form students on what is appropriate to school:
- Clothing is appropriate, safe, comfortable and clean.
- It does not include rips (intentional or otherwise), suggestive, aggressive or political messaging.
- Clothing covers shoulders and does not overemphasize body shape. No underwear is visible.
- Tattoos and body piercings are not visible, other than discreet earrings and nose studs (NB the legal minimum age for tattoos is 18).
- Hats, coats and hoods are not worn in the building
- Hair should be of a natural colour
- Shoes have covered toes (i.e. no flip flops)
This is not an exhaustive list, because suitable appearance relies on sensible judgment and on reading the context. Students’ appearance may be questioned by any member of staff: they may be asked to find alternative clothing or sent home to change. In cases of dispute or doubt, the Sixth Form or Leadership Teams’ decisions are final.
NB: The Appearance Code applies to all students; reasonable adjustments will be made for individuals when necessary and when agreed between relevant staff, students and parents in advance.
March 2026
