Dress Code
Boys
There is no School uniform, but clothes should conform to the following regulations during the normal school day:
- The normal school dress is standard design black trousers, (no canvas, cord, denim or chinos) obtainable from a reputable outfitter, jacket or blazer that must be black, dark blue or tweed. Jackets or blazers must be a regular size that fits the student. A black or authorised school tie and, if wanted, a v-neck pullover.
- Shirts must have firm collars, of a style normally worn on formal or semi-formal occasions. Check work shirts, lumberjack type shirts, polo or rugby shirts are not permitted during the school day, although may be worn for informal dress.
- Boys should have dark suits for Sundays and other occasions when a suit is needed; please keep this point in mind if a new suit is being bought. Plain white shirts with tidy collars must be worn with a suit.
- Boys should have black shoes of an ordinary and sober appearance as part of the school dress. Other coloured shoes, trainers, canvas shoes or boots are not permitted during the normal school day.
- Clothes must be unobtrusive in style and colour.
- Hair should be kept clean and tidy and must be its natural colour. The length should be neither excessively long nor excessively short.
- All students are permitted to dress informally after the end of the lessons in the evening.
- If boys persist in wearing untidy or ill-fitting clothes they may be required to buy replacements from the School shop or local retailers. If necessary the cost will be charged to the end of term bill.
- In matters of dispute the Deputy Head's decision is final
Girls
There is no School uniform, but clothes should conform to the following regulations during the normal school day.
- The normal school dress is below knee length black skirt or trousers. Both skirts and trousers should be of classic cut, not hipsters or drainpipe. Girls should buy their black skirts or trousers (no canvas, cord, denim or chinos) from a reputable outfitter. They should wear white, light pink or pale blue shirts, either plain or striped. Vests and T shirts underneath must not be visible. Their jumpers should be ‘V’ necked black, grey or blue. All must be of a sufficient length to ensure the midriff is not revealed (with or without jacket). Rugby shirts and sweatshirts should not be worn.
- Classic hip length jackets must be worn (no canvas or denim). Jackets must be black, dark blue or tweed. Jackets must be a regular size that fits the student
- Shoes should be black and sensible with no more than a moderate heel.
- A formal dark suit must be worn on Sundays (either skirt or trousers), with a white shirt.
- A warm winter coat is important..
- In matters of dispute the Deputy Head's decision is final
Summer Dress Code
Summer dress rules will apply during warm weather. All students may adopt summer dress as an alternative to the usual school dress.
Summer dress for boys consists of trousers and a shirt, with the top button undone and no tie. If a shirt with full-length sleeves is worn, the sleeves should be buttoned or else rolled neatly above the elbows. Summer dress for girls consists of trousers or skirt with a shirt. Trainers are not permitted.
The Sunday dress rule remains in force during a summer dress period; change to summer dress is permitted after lunch.
Hair Styles
Hair should be kept clean and tidy and should be its natural colour.
Jewellery
Jewellery must be discreet. No valuable or precious item should be brought to School.
Identification
All articles of clothing, including footwear, must be marked with Name, Initials and School Number. Name tapes should be where possible at centre-back or waistband.
Laundry
Some Houses have their own washers and dryers, which can be used for a charge. There is also a School laundry. Students are responsible for sending their own laundry, which normally is returned well within the week; the exact number of certain items will depend upon their own preference and cleanliness. As laundry is done on the School premises all clothing should be machine washable and suitable for tumble drying. Shirts should be of a polyester mixture to minimise ironing. Under no circumstances should nylon shirts be sent - these melt in the dryers. Trousers, pure wool sweaters, quilted/saddled shirts/jackets will be sent for laundering or dry-cleaning and charged separately on the termly account. The College will not accept any liability for luxury items.
Bedding
Sheets pillows and pillow cases are provided by the School, but duvets are encouraged, and if a student brings one it should be marked with Name, Initials and School Number together with polyester type covers marked on the outside.
Second Hand Shop
Good quality outgrown suits, sports jackets, blazers, trousers, shirts and black shoes etc can be bought and sold through the shop, which is in Bolton House, old St Wilfrid's House. (The entrance is via the back door situated at the rear of the house). All clothes for sale must be in good condition, dry cleaned and labelled with the student's name and home address. The shop opening times are published in the Blue Book or by appointment by contacting Mrs McAndrew on 01439 766859 or 01653 628740.