Joining the Ursuline Sixth Form is an important step in your development as a young adult. As part of this, we expect all students to demonstrate self-respect, professionalism, and responsibility for their appearance. Our dress code reflects the fact that Sixth Form is both a place of learning and preparation for the world of work.

By signing this document, you agree to uphold the dress code and take responsibility for presenting yourself in a way that is appropriate to our school community.

Why Our Dress Code Matters

We want our Sixth Form to reflect the high standards, maturity, and aspirations of our students. The way we dress sets the tone for learning, helps create a respectful environment, and prepares you for future professional settings.

Support and Guidance

We recognise that sometimes students may need additional support. If you experience financial difficulty in purchasing appropriate attire, please speak confidentially with Mr Joyce, Mrs Hall, Mrs Crompton or Mrs Cochrane. Our Sixth Form Bursary may be able to help. We also keep a supply of smart clothing (black trousers, skirts, and white shirts) which can be borrowed if needed.

Responsibility for Appearance

Students are trusted to take responsibility for following the dress code each day. If attire is not appropriate for the school environment, you may be asked to change. This could mean returning home briefly, arranging for a parent/carer to bring suitable clothing, or using our supply of clothing in school.

In rare cases of repeated or serious disregard for the code, a student may be required to spend time out of circulation in the Sixth Form Centre and a meeting with parents/carers may be arranged with Mr Joyce or Mrs Cochrane to consider next steps.

Lanyards

On enrolment, every student is issued with a school lanyard. This must be worn at all times on site. Your lanyard is essential for safeguarding, and it also enables you to sign in and out of the building.

There is a £10 fee for the issue of a lanyard and ID card, which contributes towards the cost of replacement if lost or damaged. These cards must be worn at all times. They will give students access to the site and will be used for signing in and out. Replacement lanyards will also incur a £10 charge.

Ursuline College Sixth Form Dress Code

• Trousers are acceptable. Jeans may be worn, provided they are not excessively ripped or ripped in inappropriate places.

• Tracksuit bottoms should only be worn for practical sport lessons, and students must change immediately before and after these lessons.

• Skirts, shorts, and dresses must be of an appropriate length (not above mid-thigh). Tracksuit style shorts are not appropriate.

• Tops should be suitable for a school environment. See-through, cropped, backless, strappy (‘shoestring’) or strapless tops and dresses are not appropriate.

• Jackets, jumpers, cardigans, and hooded sweatshirts may be worn.

• Clothing with offensive wording or logos is not permitted.

• Hats and outwear (coats) should not be worn during lessons or study time.

• Shoes and trainers should be clean and appropriate for a professional environment. Sliders, flip-flops and similar casual footwear are not suitable for school.

• Footwear must be suitable when taking part in sport or working in science labs.

• Jewellery should be discreet and suitable for a working environment. A small nose stud is permitted, but no other facial piercings are allowed.

• Hairstyles and hair colours should be appropriate for a professional setting. Extreme styles that distract from learning are not suitable.

• Make-up and nail polish may be worn but should be discreet and suitable for a working environment.

• This list is not exhaustive. If a member of the Sixth Form Team or SLT feels clothing is inappropriate for a place of education, you may be asked to change.

Fridays   

On Fridays, all students are expected to wear smart business dress. This should include a suit with trousers or skirt and a jacket, worn with a blouse or shirt.

Formal Occasions   

At certain events—such as open evenings or occasions where students represent the school—students will be required to wear smart business dress. This means a suit comprising trousers/skirt and jacket, with blouse or shirt.