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“Encouraging Excellence, Nurturing Talent”
King Edward VI Grammar School
“The school’s vision to nurture talent and encourage excellence has become a reality”
An Ofsted outstanding school
Dear Parent/Guardian,
King Edward VI Grammar School – Sixth Form Dress Code
From a number of impromptu conversations and class discussions that the Sixth Form Team have had
with both male and female students in the Sixth Form and Year 11, it is clear that they are not entirely
happy with the current dress code. There are, thankfully, only a small number that would like to wear
what they want. The rest would prefer either a uniform or would be more than happy with suits.
Having a uniform would be an option but I feel that each student should have some differentiation and
personal preference while providing a clear and defined dress code and maintaining the school’s
liberal heritage and traditions.
Girls especially have commented that they feel the pressures and stresses that come with deciding
what to wear each and every day. There seems to exist a competitive element among students that
focuses on who is able to wear the most fashionable clothing. I am often amazed by both the amount
of money that students seem to spend on clothing and the amount of time that they tell me they are
taking on deciding what they should be wearing.
Currently the code is ‘Business Casual’ which was thought to be a simple and straightforward solution
to keep and maintain a suitable level of dress within the Sixth Form. However, this has not been the
case. Students have a genuine difficulty interpreting this code and a more regulated dress code would
make it easier for everyone. The majority, if not all, of our Sixth Form competitors have a smarter
uniform/suit that is easy to recognise and allows a clear and uncomplicated choice for students whilst
allowing value for money.
There are currently a number of high street stores and indeed supermarkets that offer very cost
effective options. ‘Greenwoods’ in Louth were recently offering a man’s suit, shirt, tie, cufflinks and
shoes for £85. Their current sale offers a discount of up to 70%. Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, Slaters and
Matalan have suits from £40 and all can be machine washed. Many of the students seem to spend that
sort of money on clothing that they know is not acceptable but because of the cost and the labels
involved it seems that they are more than happy to take the risk of wearing it to school. I therefore
truly believe that a suit would be far more cost effective, stress free and time efficient.
From September 2013 the dress code for current Year 11s going into Year 12 will be:
Boys - a suit, a formal shirt (plain or patterned), a plain V-neck sweater, tank top or cardigan, formal
shoes (black or brown) and a tie (optional). Winter coats can be of personal choice and should be
worn over the suit jacket.
Girls – a suit (dress, skirt or trouser), a formal shirt/blouse (plain or patterned), a plain V-neck
sweater, tank top or cardigan and low (2.5 inch maximum) or flat-heeled shoes. Winter coats can be of
personal choice and should be worn over the suit jacket.
Current Year 12s going into Year 13 will be allowed to see out the Sixth Form in the current
‘Business Casual’ dress code. This is, for clarification:
Boys – a pair of formal trousers/chinos, a formal shirt (plain or patterned), a plain V-neck sweater,
tank top or cardigan, formal shoes (black or brown) and a tie (optional).
Girls – a pair of formal trousers/chinos or a mid to knee length skirt/dress, a formal shirt/blouse
(plain or patterned), a plain V-neck sweater, tank top or cardigan and low (2.5 inch maximum) or flat
heeled shoes.
During the winter months both Year 12 and 13 students can wear boots or other appropriate footwear to
and from school but must wear their formal shoes in and around the school site. Hats, scarves and gloves
can also be worn but must be removed whilst inside.
This decision is about making the understanding of, and conforming to, the dress code far easier for
students as well as removing any stress or financial barriers that come with keeping up with fashion.
It will also allow King Edward’s to maintain the standards that are expected of a Grammar School
whilst still keeping a modern edge and allowing students to maintain a level of individuality. I hope
that you will support the Sixth Form Team in this decision.
Yours faithfully,
Nick Robertson
Assistant Head/Director of Sixth Form