School uniform in sixth form

86 replies

theae · 10/11/2021 09:32

Just beginning to think about possible sixth form options (that is A Level: do they still call it sixth form?) for dear daughter (1st year GCSE). Exploring with her what she is likely to want and it seems that a major factor is freedom of clothing.

At her current school (independent day school) they have to continue wearing the same uniform but with a different tie in the sixth form and this shocked me. Surely the beauty of the sixth form is some more freedom?

I attended similar school in another part of the country 20+ years ago and we had a dress code of essntially smart skirts and blouses for girls, any colour suits and ties for boys - not much different from a school uniform granted but still we were given some freedom.

Is it now more normal for schools to insist on uniform in the sixth form?

OP posts:

user1471443411 · 10/11/2021 09:57

I think it must vary by area as I went to school just over 25 years ago and uniforms were being phased out in most state schools when I got to sixth form age - not just for sixth forms but for the whole secondary level, at the same time bringing in logo jumpers for primary age. Business dress in sixth forms is a fairly new thing (as in last 10 years or so) around here.

RedskyThisNight · 10/11/2021 09:56

Most round here are either no dress code or smart/casual (no jeans/hoodies/trainers etc type rules).

I think school uniform in sixth form is pretty unusual.

LadyMonicaBaddingham · 10/11/2021 09:55

My son (state school sixth form) wears uniform. The sixth form have a real tie instead of a clip-on and a different sweater.

Vroomed · 10/11/2021 09:50

My DC’s school is business wear but within very narrow confines ie black or navy plain jacket; dark trousers, white shirt. They accept girls in 6th year but not sure what their dress code is. Given the school, I’d assume equally restricted. A uniform would be easier. Is this a recent thing as I had to wear same uniform from 1st-6th year (25 yrs ago)?

user1471443411 · 10/11/2021 09:50

Around me there is a mixture:
2 state schools no uniform
2 state schools full uniform just with a different tie
2 state schools business dress
college obviously no uniform
private school business dress

JennyDune · 10/11/2021 09:48

I went to a grammar schools 6th form over 20 years ago, and it was a requirement then for all 6th formers to wear the uniform. But we were allowed to pick our own colour shirt.

Tbh, imo, the better the school, the more strict the dress code.

Seeline · 10/11/2021 09:45

I think 6th form colleges (not attached to schools) are generally much more relaxed.

RedHot22 · 10/11/2021 09:43

The sixth forms here actively encourage the students to wear whatever they like.

At the first parents introductory presentation we were told that they didn’t care what they wore, how many piercings that had or what colour their hair was and that after years of uniform now was the time for self expression. What they cared about was that they turned up and worked hard.

ChrissyPlummer · 10/11/2021 09:39

All the ones round here allow them to wear whatever they like. None attached to schools though, both are just 16-18 sixth form colleges. The old ‘tech’ doesn’t have a dress code either, unless you are studying something like hair/beauty or cookery.

TwoBlueFish · 10/11/2021 09:37

My sons school (state comp) is business dress in 6th form. My neighbours daughter has to wear uniform (private school).

Seeline · 10/11/2021 09:36

IME most indies require business wear in the 6th form. Certainly suit and tie for boys, usually a skirt/trouser suit for the girls, although some allow eg a check skirt with plain matching jacket, or a smart shift dress and jacket, with formal blouse/shirt.

State schools can be more relaxed, although locally I know of a couple that require smart/casual and one (catholic girls) where they have to wear a specific skirt/trouser suit from the school suppliers with a white blouse.

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