Dress Code

Sixth Form Dress Code

All Sixth Form students at Goffs Academy 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. We have exceptionally high expectations of all students, and that begins with maintaining high standards of personal presentation at all times.

The intention of the Sixth Form dress code is to maintain the smart appearance of the lower school years but allow a degree of flexibility, in acknowledgement of the progression towards higher education or the world of employment. As a rule of thumb, a Sixth Form student should be able to leave the school site and immediately attend a formal interview without having to change their clothes.

The Sixth Form dress code is smart office wear, preparing you not only for your studies but also for life beyond school. Below are the rules on what this includes:

  • Plain smart jackets (cardigans may not be worn instead of jackets). 
  • Plain smart trousers.
  • Smart shirt with collar and tie of their own choice. 
  • Plain sweaters may be worn with a shirt, tie and jacket. 
  • A formal, tailored skirt or dress.
  • Skirts and dresses must be of reasonable length, as you would wear to an office, and no shorter than 10cm above the knee.
  • Smart blouse or plain smart top to be worn under a jacket.
  • Shirts/tops which show a bare midriff, shoulders or visible cleavage must not be worn.
  • Plain, dark shoes of a smart, formal style must be worn (trainers, flip-flops/sandals, Ugg boots, or Doc Martens style boots may not be worn).  Only smart plain formal boots may be worn.

In general;

  • Jeans, jogging bottoms or leggings are not permitted.
  • Very short skirts or bodycon dresses are not permitted.
  • Hoodies or sweatshirts are not permitted.
  • Leather or imitation leather clothing, other than shoes, are not permitted.
  • Canvas shoes or trainers must not be worn.
  • Students should wear their jacket/blazer at all times (during warm weather in the summer term, students should have their jackets/blazers with them, but may choose to remove them).
  • Students may wear a smart, formal outdoor coat to travel to and from school.
  • Any make-up or jewellery worn by students should be discreet.
  • Discreet ear piercing is permitted in school, plus a single discreet nose stud. All other piercings are not permitted, including septum piercing.
  • Visible tattoos are not permitted
  • Hair must be a natural colour and may not be extreme in style.

Please note that if there is any ambiguity regarding any of the requirements outlined above (e.g. regarding what constitutes ‘reasonable’ and ‘discreet’) school staff will make the final decision on this matter.

Students must wear name badges, and school-issued lanyards, so they are visible at all times; this is an essential and non-negotiable requirement of all staff, visitors and Sixth Form students, to comply with safeguarding regulations.

Students may be sent home to change their clothes or to collect a name badge/lanyard if they do not comply with the dress code requirements as described above.  Any student seen not wearing their name badge/lanyard at any point, even if it is in a bag, will immediately lose their study leave privileges for a designated period.

Any student who is unsure of what is acceptable should see:

Mrs Harris, Mrs Wilson or Mr Bannerman