Winter Wonderland Wardrobe: Unveiling the Perfect Dress Code

As the seasons transition into winter, schools uphold high standards for staff dress codes. Leading by example is essential, setting a positive tone for pupils. This guide outlines the expectations for dress and appearance in schools during the winter season. Schools require staff to maintain a professional appearance within school premises and when representing the school externally. While not exhaustive, it provides guidelines to ensure your attire aligns with the principles underlying school dress codes. Schools recognise the diversity of staff cultures, religions, and disabilities, addressing dress requirements with sensitivity while prioritising health, safety, and security for everyone.

Each staff member is individually responsible for their presentation, appearance, and personal hygiene. How is your attire being perceived by others?

Adhere to these guidelines when selecting your winter attire:

• It should be role appropriate.
• Non-offensive
• Non-revealing, not provocative
• Free from political or contentious slogans
• Non-discriminatory, and culturally sensitive
• Compliant with health and safety requirements, and not posing risks to you or others.

Acceptable Clothing:

• Appropriate length skirts or trousers (minimum knee length).
• Blouses/shirts (long or short sleeves).
• Smart plain T-shirts/polo shirts.
• Jumpers.
• Jackets.
• Dresses (minimum knee length).
• Business suits.
• Ties.

Non-Acceptable Clothing:

• Mini skirts.
• Lycra cycling shorts.
• Leggings or footless tights.
• Leisure shorts, tracksuits, and trainers (unless for PE or sports).
• See-through clothing.
• Torn, holey, or unclean clothing.
• Low-cut T-shirts or blouses.
• Vest tops/ crop tops
• Offensive badges, emblems, or logos on clothes.
• Indoor wearing of baseball caps.
• Flip flops / Open-toe and open-heel sandals.
• Visible underwear.

Exceptions: School dress codes recognise that certain occasions may warrant deviations from the usual dress code, such as outdoor or residential visits. Specific guidance will be provided in advance. Role-specific exceptions may apply, like caretakers wearing boiler suits or cleaners wearing overalls. Dress codes may be relaxed on training days at the discretion of the Headteacher; always check beforehand, especially when partaking in training days during supply work.

Footwear: Footwear must be safe, sensible, in good repair, and clean. Staff should consider health and safety implications, especially in emergency situations.

Tattoos: Visible tattoos are discouraged; if present, they should not be offensive. Offensive or inappropriate tattoos must be appropriately covered.

Jewellery and Piercings: Jewellery should be discreet, appropriate, and not pose health and safety hazards. In cases where they present risks or appear inappropriate, they should be removed. During PE lessons, jewellery should be removed, covered, or taped up as necessary. Facial piercings are not permitted.

Hair: Hair and beards should not compromise health and safety. Long hair should be tied back when handling food. Beards should be neatly trimmed unless required by an individual’s religion, in which case they must be tidy.

Religious Dress: Religious dress is permitted, taking into account health and safety and communication considerations.

We hope you find this winter dress code information informative and helpful, our rTriibe team have put this helpful video together to accompany this blog post, you can view this by clicking here. If you have further questions, please contact your consultant for additional guidance. Stay warm, professional, and confident during your school-based work this winter season.

You can check out our new TikTok on Winter dress code here!