Dress code

The Governors and staff of St. Martin's have high expectations regarding the appearance of our students and are required to wear the correct uniform at all times and in the correct manner. This dress code has been developed to help ensure equality within our school community and to assist students and their parents in the purchasing of business dress for school use.  A dress code also helps to keep the cost of schoolwear down as the variation in outfits is not excessive.  With this guidance, it is intended that we:

  • Create and maintain a sense of pride in our school.  Sixth Formers are role models to the younger students in our community and therefore set the standards of appearance.

  • Promoting a sense of equality and cohesion.  Ensuring that all students, whatever their social, religious and ethnic group, feel welcome and part of the community.

  • This dress code does not stop an individual from expressing themselves through their clothes - it just takes more thought; colour and accessories can be used as an accent to a smart outfit.

  • Our smart and professional appearance mirrors the expectations in the workplace and progression into the world of employment . Sixth form students encounter external agencies and other associated professionals in the course of their work and must present themselves as professional in appearance both as a mark of respect and to give professional credibility to their role in the school.

DRESS AND APPEARANCE

A member of the Sixth Form should be able to leave the site and immediately attend a formal interview without having to enhance their appearance.  This list is not intended to be exhaustive, but instead represents a guideline to the meaning of Business Dress. If in doubt, the Director of Sixth Form or Progress Leader for year 12 and 13 should be contacted prior to any purchase to confirm the suitability of any items. Students should always err on the formal side if they are not sure.

Unless otherwise stated, this policy applies to all students on the school site including Parents' Consultation/Review meetings, Information Evenings, Open Evenings and other events which parents, students and members of the public would attend. Also students taking part in school-related activities within and after timetabled lessons, for example during educational visits.

The only exceptions to the dress code are non-uniform days in which Post-16 students should follow the dress guidelines set for all students and should make a donation to the specified charity.

FEMALE SPECIFIC

Students should wear a shirt or blouse and tailored trousers (plain dark colours only) or knee length or longer skirts. Ties and tailored dresses are acceptable.

  • Shorts, skorts, body-con skirts and dresses, skirts with large slits, play-suits, leggings or any denim items of clothing are not permitted at any time.

  • Zipped and hooded tops are not acceptable.

  • Students should not show underwear, midriffs, wear spaghetti strap, strapless or excessively low-cut tops. Shoes should be safe.   For example no open-toed shoes in the Science rooms. Students should not wear flip-flops, sliders, extremely high heels, trainers, converse, vans, military or Ugg style boots.

MALE SPECIFIC

Business wear is expected; Students should wear a shirt, tie and tailored trousers (plain dark colours only).

  • Shorts or any denim items of clothing are not permitted at any time.

  • Zipped and hooded tops are not acceptable.

  • Students should not show underwear. Shoes should be safe.   For example no open-toed shoes in the Science rooms. Students should not wear flip-flops, sliders, trainers, converse, vans or military style boots.

EARRING, JEWELLERY AND BODY ART

No visible body piercings (other than ears) or body art.  Tattoos must be covered at all times. Office-appropriate jewellery, makeup and hairstyle of any natural colour.   No extremes of cut or hair colouring.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

All students involved in Physical Education activities should wear Physical Education clothes only when they are in practical lessons.

SECURITY AND HEALTH & SAFETY

Lanyards with ID badge must be worn by all students at all times whilst on the school premises.

ENFORCING EXPECTATIONS

We know that the vast majority of pupils will adhere to the Post 16 Dress Code but to ensure that equality is maintained within our community, the following procedure will be followed.

The dress code will be checked by form tutors in morning registration and where necessary challenged.  If a student is referred to the Progress leader for 12 and 13 or the Director of Sixth. They will decide whether the dress code has or has not been followed. If the referral is valid then the the Progress leader or the Director of Sixth may decide to send the pupil home to adjust their attire and a letter will be sent home advising parents of this.