What would you expect a student teacher to wear on their first day?

[18yearstooold]

I'm in my first year of a primary ed degree and placements start soon

We've been told to go in a suit on the first day then fit in with what the teachers wear

I don't own a suit!

Plus i'm really tall so I can't just nip out and buy one

Would it be terrible if I wore a pair of trousers, a top and a scarf (what I wear when i'm volunteering at a different school)

I'm in a mixed yr 5/6 class

Assuming you're female.... don't bother about a suit. That would be the right advice for a male trainee I think (or at least a shirt, tie and jacket) but the only woman I've ever seen in school wearing a suit is the head teacher. I'm racking my brains over 10 years of teaching in 4 different schools and can't think of any other examples! When I went on teaching practice I started off with smart trousers and a blouse (as opposed to a t-shirty top) and that was always fine. Suits just aren't practical in primary schools!

Thanks, when we were told I was thinking the only person I've seen in school in a suit was an ofsted inspector!

I'd be very surprised if they expected you to wear a suit! Just wear smart trousers and a blouse type top and you'll be fine!

Thanks, when we were told I was thinking the only person I've seen in school in a suit was an ofsted inspector!

Don't know why that posted twice?

lol, when I was observing in schools before ITT I wore a suit and the DC all asked me if I was an Ofsted inspector,a nd one teacher asked me why I was 'dressed like SLT'

Agree that a suit would be overkill but I'd encourage you to invest in a semi-tailored jacket. V useful for parents' evenings etc when you want to look smart.

Do not wear a short skirt. Long skirt or smart trousers and blouse

I've not got the legs for a short skirt full stop

I will start looking for a jacket but they are a pain -broad of shoulder, long of arm and small of nork!

If anyone wears a suit at my school, they endure endless ribbing all day about leaving early to go to an interview!

I would just wear a dress and boots.

I think you can't go wrong with plain black trousers. Wear sensible shoes/boots and a top long enough that your underwear is not on show when you bend down. I'd go for a blouse and cardigan, schools can be stiflingly hot or freezing, and with primary you may well be outside for part of the day.

You could also phone the school and ask about their dress code.

I mainly work in FE but when I do cover in a school I always ask whether they want me to remove my nose stud.

As for a jacket - try ebay, most of my teaching clothes are from ebay. I have the opposite problem, I'm 5ft nothing.

I agree with sashh: trousers, top without serious cleavage, no underwear on view when you bend or squat, remove piercings except earrings until you know what's the norm for that school and nothing screams fish out of water like a slightly nervous newbie in a suit.

I think work trousers and a top that does not reveal underwear will be fine. in my school a lot of us wear a. scarf. comfortable shoes would be my advice but not uggs.

Unfortunately we've been told not to contact the school until all the students have been placed and then we are to do it together so they aren't answering the same questions twice

Fortunately I've no tattoos or piercings to worry about and I always wear vest tops tucked into my trousers at school with a top over that so i'm not flashing anything -I just hope the school isn't too hot!