School uniform in sixth form

[theae]

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?

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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)?

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

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.

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.

Business dress in DS's sixth form (private school)

It’s not the end of the world, and I suppose it’s one way to combat the belt length skirts the sixth formers here insist on.

At my DD’s indy, it’s jeans/leggings/whatever, but school logo t-shirts, hoodies etc.

At DS’s indy, it’s businesswear.

Most local state schools still wear uniform.

I've never understood why some insist on 'business wear' for sixth form/A Levels for the students to then go to university and wear whatever they choose.....
For me, one of the best things about going to 6th form was being free from uniform 😀

I went to a state selective in the late 90s, uniform all the way. Different tie and a choice of two different skirt shapes and tights instead of socks.

@LizzieBet14 makes life easier for DS so he doesn't have to think about what to wear, has got it down to a fine art of getting up as late as possible but still get to the bus stop on time!

IME actual uniform in sixth form is unusual. I am talking about state schools tho, not sure if you are considering that OP?

Local schools I know:
DCs' school - uniform KS3 and 4, business dress for sixth form (not super strict tbf esp re girls)
Lovely comp up the road - uniform KS3 and 4, vv strict business dress sixth form, must be a matching suit in grey or black.
Other local comps - mostly like DCs'.
Comp in nearby village - no uniform through entire school.
Comp where I used to teach - uniform in KS3 and 4 and wear what you like in sixth form.

Sixth form colleges - anything goes pretty much.

I assume btw that those without uniform or dress code do have limits - racist or offensive slogans would be banned and I imagine a bikini would raise an eyebrow.

6th form at my daughter's school increases the school uniform requirement. All the way up to year 11 it's just school polo shirts and normal jumpers and anything goes for shoes as long as they're plain black.

In 6th form it's real shirts, ties, blazers, woollen v neck jumpers and strictly smart shoes. If you don't adhere, you're invited to find somewhere else to complete your A levels.

By comparison, my school didn't have a 6th form so we all went to the local college for A levels etc. Leaving school was a step towards more independent thinking and individual responsibility and college with the relaxed just be decent dress code fit into that.

I think the overly strict 6th form is a bonkers idea.

My eldest DD went to the local college so she wore whatever she wanted.

My younger DD goes to an Independent girls school and she has to wear the same uniform only with a different colour jumper, navy blue instead of Burgundy. They have other privileges, like 6th form common room with their own lockers and a kettle and toaster. They can use the gym/swimming pool any time they like and wear whatever make-up or jewelry they choose, bar the full Goth look. Of course hoiking your skirt up as high as possible is mandatory.

Considering most businesses now don't care if people wear suits / ties, it seems absolutely ridiculous that schools ask sixth formers too.

However the most telling comment on this thread is the one along the lines of the better the school the stricter the dress code. I suspect that is exactly why some schools ask their sixth formers to wear suits et al.

Uniform codes here seem to be getting stricter rather than more relaxed. The school's argument is that they are preparing them for the world of work. On that basis dd should be going to school in scrubs. Some require matching suits for boys and girls which considering many work places are relaxing the requirements seems a little excessive. I personally think that requesting that they have one smart outfit available for open evenings/ speech days etc would be reasonable but then some flexibility on a smart casual dress code on normal school days.

Seems very old fashioned to me. I was at millfield and we were allowed relaxed clothes throughout. I think as the world of work becomes less formally attired schools should be following suit. I work much more proactively if I am in relaxed clothing than dolled up in formal wear, although I like to up my fame for presentations in the ‘putting on your war amour’ mindset.

Game not fame - excuse fat fingers! Also unintended suit pun!

Dark navy skirt suit at dds indie. In reality this means a dark navy skirt with any old hoodie or blosue. I don't think dd2 wore the jacket part ever.