Gloucestershire school sixth form bans hoodies and polices skirt lengths
THE hoodie has been banned from a Cotswolds school.
The head teacher at Chipping Camden School fears casual clothes don't encourage learning and has told sixth formers to smarten up their act.
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Skirt warning: Annette France
Sixth formers at Chipping Campden were read the riot act when their outfits became too fashion-conscious.
Head teacher Annette France said students should 'dress for learning'.
Mrs France said: "We've always had a dress code for sixth formers but because we went so very smart with our new main school uniform, the contrast with what the sixth formers were wearing became so marked.
"It was particularly the girls. They think they look lovely but the trend for leggings and little cropped tops is fine for shopping or in a bar but not for school."
The head teacher said senior students supposed to be setting an example were strutting up to study wearing zipped jackets, strappy tops, trainers, shorts, cropped trousers and Ugg-style boots.
Now these are all on the 'what not to wear' list.
From September, Year 12s will have to wear formal jackets or blazers, with shirts and ties for boys and collared or sleeved blouses with "business length" skirts for girls – close to the knee.
In a letter to parents Ms France said: "Unfortunately, the standard of dress of sixth-formers has deteriorated in recent years."
She advised a "happy compromise" with youngsters wearing reasonably priced, machine washable formal jackets from chain stores.
Defending her stance, Mrs France added: "If they are smart in their dress they will be smart in their thinking. I've often used the analogy of being an actor – you dress for a part which makes you act a certain way.
"So basically, it's dressing for learning but we came to a compromise so they can express their individuality."
Ms France said the smarter, more executive new look came following good-natured discussions with the older pupils.
The colour of shoes and boots will now be black, brown or navy, for boys and girls.
Girls must only wear black or tan plain tights.
And there is a final word of warning on the school's website under sixth form dress code.
It says: "Mrs King is the arbiter of skirt length and students wearing skirts deemed to be too short will be required to wear a main school skirt for the duration of the day."
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by Will Townsend, Not Saying
Sunday, March 27 2011, 11:26PM
“I am so glad I left 6th form, and for good reasons, as I have asked my friends that are still there countless times, "How is 6th form?"
Do you know what my one word reply is every single time?
"Shit."
And that's not even being dramatic, you've gone well to far overboard with all your ridiculous rules Ms France. It's time for a change and if I could join in with the protest, I bloody well would. I hope you're fired soon.
(Not very) Sincerely,
Ex Student, Will Townsend.”
by John, Cheltenham
Tuesday, June 15 2010, 9:56AM
“Jimmycarterglos, Glos _ When an adult does a job and told what to wear, does that make the adult angry at society too?”
by changeisgood, Gloucestershire
Monday, June 14 2010, 9:18PM
“A fantastic decision and one where students were clearly consulted too. The Head Teacher has done a fabulous job here and this will raise standards even further at the school. Well Done, Mrs. France!”
by An Educated man, chelt
Monday, June 14 2010, 8:32PM
“Not before time, nothing wrong with a bit of uniformity, the school is not a place for catwalk fashions, school is a place for learning... 10/10 to this head teacher.....”
by chris, glos
Monday, June 14 2010, 8:28PM
“Jimmycarterglos, Glos, if they have a job that requires them to wear a suit and tie then tehy will wear a suit and tie and not wear what they want,”
by Jimmycarterglos, Glos
Monday, June 14 2010, 6:46PM
“People should be able to wear what they want.
Who cares what some old women thinks?. Its these kind of actions that make younger people angry at society.”
by Neil, Cheltenham
Monday, June 14 2010, 6:01PM
“There was a heated debate very similar to this in the 1960s. One thing is absolutely certain, I wouldn't wish to see Ms France in a miniskirt!!!”
by EJ, Cheltenham
Monday, June 14 2010, 3:20PM
“I would disagree with "For Goodness' Sake" and say that what you wear does affect your concentration/attention. If you are dressed professionally you will behave more professionally and the same is true of people wearing school uniform. They are more inclined to act with respect and decorum, and to be in a learning mode, if they are dressed appropriately.
I'm no prude but the shortness of some school skirts makes me wonder if their parents know what their daughter is going out wearing!”
by chris, glos
Monday, June 14 2010, 1:35PM
“Its about time and maybe other schools will follow suit. You dont need to be wearing ugg boots or look like your going to start your shift on the street corner to learn. The sixth formers are also representing the school so if they are wearing smart clothes then the schools image will look good.”
by Oh for goodness sake!, Chelt
Monday, June 14 2010, 1:22PM
“No, Queen of Sheba, I don't think what one wears to work affects their ability to do their job.
I work in a law firm and no I can't wear trainers or jeans, however, I'm not told that my skirt must be a certain length or that I have to wear a collared shirt.”