Dress Code

Our Sixth form students are role models for the Harris Federation and as such should be smartly presented at all times.  Standards in our dress code reflect our high expectations in all aspects of student life.

The HAOC dress code is designed to be smart, affordable, and inclusive.  Students are encouraged to contact Miss Dean, Head of Sixth form for advice and/or financial assistance if required.

Dress Code

Identity cards with academy lanyards must be worn and visible at all times.

Students and staff should wear clothes which project professionalism.  Students should wear a combination of the following formal dress items:

• Business suit
• Business blazer
• Blouse or shirt and tie
• Dress/skirt/trousers
• Formal shoes (you must be able to polish them)

All students are expected to wear a blazer either as part of a business suit or with formal dress/skirt/trousers.

Transgender students may dress consistently with their gender presentation.

At Harris Academy Ockendon we recognise and celebrate our staff and students' identities.  We are a community built on an ethos of equality and respect where hair texture and style have no bearing on anyone's ability to succeed.  Harris Academy Ockendon adopts the Halo Code in regard to all Afro hairstyles.  We welcome Afro-textured hair worn in all styles.

Reasonable adjustments to the dress code will be made, in discussion with (and prior agreement of) base site Head of Sixth Form on an individual basis (e.g. for medical reasons / disability).

Jackets may be removed in warm conditions. Scarves and coats may be worn outside the buildings but must be removed once inside.

Physical Education, Performing Arts and students of other specialist qualifications are expected to conform to the individual expectations of that subject.

The following are not permitted:

• Visible body piercing is restricted to the ears and/or one small nose stud only. Bars, scaffolds and stretchers are not permitted.
• Tattoos should not be visible
• Casual style dresses such as those with a vest style top, very thin straps and strapless style top
• Jumpers- apart from plain jumpers under the blazer
• Denim jeans/trousers, jackets, shirts, blouses or skirts
• Studs on trousers, skirts or shirts/blouses
• Casual trousers – combats, track suits, leggings
• Casual tops – track suit, fleeces, T-shirts, hooded tops, vest tops
• Shorts, trousers made of stretchy legging-type material
• Sportswear
• Trainers, pumps, canvas shoes
• Gloves, scarves, hats, caps, bandanas or durags
• Clothing made of sheer/transparent materials or any other extreme or inappropriate clothing or make up
• Hair dyed in an unnatural colour

HAOC Sixth Form is sensitive to the needs of different cultures, races and religions and will act reasonably in accommodating these needs.  We reserve the right to make reasonable adjustments to the uniform policy to allow for students protected characteristics.

In the event of any transgression, students will be reminded of the dress code expectations.  If a student is unwilling to address any dress code issues, they will be sent home, parents/carers will be contacted on the first occasion, and students will receive a sanction after school. 

It is beyond the scope of the dress code to provide guidance on every eventuality. In the event of any queries the Head of Sixth Form will act as arbiter.