Staff dress codes: guidance and examples
Read advice on whether you need a staff dress code and what it should include. Use examples of staff dress codes from primary, secondary and special schools to help you create your own.
- There is no requirement to have a staff dress code
- Put your dress code in your staff code of conduct
- Make sure your dress code is inclusive
- Examples from schools
There is no requirement to have a staff dress code
The NEU does not recommend a formal dress code for staff in schools.
If you choose to create a dress code, you can specify that staff should dress professionally and appropriately.
Your dress code should allow for different circumstances
This includes taking health and safety into consideration, for example:
- PE teachers to be allowed to wear trainers
- Science staff to be allowed to wear lab coats
You should also allow for weather conditions. For example, if you expect male teachers to wear ties or jackets, you can specify that this does not mean during very hot days.
Your dress code must also be inclusive. Read more about this further down in this article.
Put your dress code in your staff code of conduct
If you do have a dress code, having it in your staff code of conduct or handbook means it is easier to enforce, as staff have agreed to it.
Make sure to consult with staff on the dress code so they can express their views.
Make sure your dress code is inclusive
Your dress code must allow for religious beliefs, cultural practices and gender identity.
Any form of dress should not interfere with the teaching and learning process, and pupils should be able to see an individual's face. This is explained by Edapt.
You must also make reasonable adjustments to your dress code for staff with disabilities.
This can include allowing for sensory difficulties that come from wearing certain types of clothing. For example, some people might find wearing a tie restrictive, or need to wear trainers for comfort.
Always discuss the needs of individual staff members on a case by case basis when it comes to dress code.
The NEU recommended this.
Examples from schools
Primary school
Clifton Primary School in Birmingham includes a section on dress in its staff code of conduct. It lists a general expectation that dress is appropriate and takes health and safety considerations into account. It also reminds staff that they are role models to pupils, and lists some specific dress code requirements.
Secondary school
Leytonstone School in Waltham Forest covers dress and appearance in section 11 (pages 9 to 10) of its staff code of conduct. It includes a list of principles for staff to follow when choosing their clothing and highlights that individuals may want to select clothing in line with their cultural customs.
Special school
The Bridge School in Suffolk adopts the trust's dress code, which includes procedures for enforcing the policy. It explains that staff will be reminded of the dress code during induction and that the senior leadership team (SLT) will initially seek to resolve issues with the dress code on an informal basis.
