Within the Priory Witham Sixth Form and as part of your technical education, we are committed to fostering a professional and purposeful culture. The way students and staff present themselves plays a key role in shaping this environment. Our dress code is designed not only to reflect the expectations of a workplace but also to prepare students for future careers and uphold the high standards of our academies.

We understand that appropriate attire may vary depending on the subject and the nature of the curriculum, and we encourage clothing that is either professional or course-specific throughout the Academy Day.

Further Guidance

Professional Setting:

• The student lanyard must be worn at all times.
• There should be no large logos, branding or images.
• Shoes need to be polishable (not canvas) and not have large logos.
• Tops should reach the end of the shoulder.
• Ear piercings are permitted, but must not be bolts or spacers. A maximum of one nose piercing is permitted. This must be a stud only, no rings or hoops as examples. No other visible piercings are permitted.
• Students should not have visible tattoos.
• Accessories such as watches and other subtle jewellery are allowed but may need to be removed for safety reasons during practical learning.
• Extreme hairstyles are not permitted and the school reserves the right to advise on what it considers to be extreme.

The following items are not allowed: Patterned tights or leggings Denim Clothing where backs, midriffs, cleavage, bra straps or underwear are visible Hoodies Sportswear (tracksuits and jogging bottoms, sports shirts, sports shorts) Clothing with offensive logos, symbols or texts Flip flops, crocs, trainers, open-toed shoes/sandals or excessively high heels Hats (apart from religious headwear) Shorts or short sleeve t-shirts (polo shirts and blouses are acceptable).

Course Specific at Priory Witham Academy:

• Craft and Design (Fashion and Textiles): The academy will provide a craft apron. Professional setting attire is required which is suitable for a practical environment. Loose clothing is advised.
• Health: The academy will provide a healthcare uniform, including tunic and scrub trousers, for practical scenarios. Professional setting attire is required which is suitable for a practical environment. Loose clothing is advised.
• All other courses should follow the guidance for a professional setting.

Formal Attire:

In addition to the above, all students should have within their Sixth Form wardrobe a formal outfit. This would consist of a suit or business separates with a shirt / blouse.  Trousers should be of a business / office style.  Skirts or dresses should be worn below or close to the knee.  Consideration should be given to the style of fit when selecting tailored trousers, dresses, or skirts. Students are asked to wear a tie as appropriate. Shoes should be sensible and appropriate for a work environment. This would be required for formal occasions such as awards ceremonies, open evenings, house assemblies, job interview preparation as examples.

The Academy reserves the right to advise students and parents on what is and is not acceptable, within these guidelines.  If students in the Sixth Form are unsuitably dressed, as determined by the Academy, then we reserve the right to ask students to return home to dress appropriately. Our dress code is not intended to be prescriptive, merely to indicate the ethos of the school and to support students through their Sixth Form years and prepare them for the world of work.