The Post 16 Dress Code is centred around ‘an appropriate dress for work ethos’. Maintaining a professional appearance is important as Post 16 students act as role models for our academies. We also want students to take responsibility regarding how they dress, and understand that first impressions are very important when they are applying for jobs in the future. We want students to use good judgement, show courtesy and pride in their appearance, ensuring that they are presentable and safe for the environment they are working in.

DRESS CODE

OVERALL THEME IS SMART BUSINESS DRESS

• All students should wear a blouse or shirt with the official TSSF Tie (This will be available from September 2026). Tie is only required with a shirt.
• Blazers and suit jackets are recommended but can be substituted for a cardigan or jumper.
• Trousers, suit trousers and a jacket.
• Skirt should be no higher than the knee
• All students should wear smart dark shoes (no trainers or sports style show)
• All students wear their purple lanyard around their neck at all times
• On Sports academy days (Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday) official TSSF sportswear can be worn by students in any of the sports academies. Available from the online shop.

Exclusions to the dress code:

• Any form of sportswear that is not the official TSSF sportwear.
• Caps/hats/bonnets/durags
• Hoodies or hooded jumpers/tops
• Football/rugby/sports shirts
• Halter-neck, strapless & spaghetti-strapped tops and dresses
• Lycra, or any tight clingy materials
• Denim jeans or tops
• Beachwear
• Any T-shirt with a slogan or political message
• Any clothing that exposes your back, chest, stomach or underwear

Shoes

Appropriate	Not Appropriate
Leather polishable shoes	Flip Flops
Boots – no higher than the top of the ankle	Sliders
Loafers	Crocs
	Open-toed shoe/sandal
	Open-back shoe/sandal
	Multicoloured shoe or *sports trainer
	Fabric trainers
	'Ugg' style boots for footwear

*Sports trainers can be worn with a practical Three Spires Sixth Form kit.

Standard expectations of all students 

• Lanyards must be worn 
• Well-groomed, clean and neat appearance with a good standard of hygiene 
• Any piercings should be inconspicuous (use a retainer), non-offensive and covered in practical activities.
• Any tattoos should be inconspicuous, non-offensive and covered, whenever possible .
• Hair, beards and moustaches should be kept neat and tidy.
• No obvious logos, writing or political message on any item of clothing
• False eyelashes must not be worn; eyelashes should be natural in appearance.
• Nails must be kept short and appropriate for school; false nails, acrylic nails, and nail extensions are not permitted.  

three spires sixth form tie

The official Three Spires Sixth Form (TSSF) tie is an important part of our sixth form dress code and helps promote a professional identity across our community. 

Ties can be purchased directly through the Arbor School Shop for £6.99 + VAT (£8.39 total). Please note there is a delay on delivery, they should be on-site by the end of October.

How to purchase:

1. Log in to your Arbor Parent Portal account
2. Navigate to School Shop
3. Select TSSF Tie
4. Complete the online payment

Once purchased, ties will be issued via your home campus.

If you have any difficulties accessing Arbor or making a payment, please contact your home campus administration team.

Price: £8.39

Available exclusively through the Arbor School Shop