Key Information

As a Sixth Form pupil at St George’s C of E Foundation School, I accept that my main aim is to achieve the best possible results in my studies and I will ensure this by:

• Keeping up-to-date with all my studies and attending all timetabled lessons
• Meeting all deadlines set by staff by making productive use of study time at school and at home
• Limiting my involvement in paid work to no more than 12 hours a week (government recommendation) so that academic progress and success is kept a clear priority
• Arriving punctually every morning to be ready for timetabled lessons or study time
• Signing in and out with my swipe card through the pupil entrance whenever entering or leaving the school premises
• Wearing the correct clothing to adhere to the Sixth Form dress code
• Not leaving the school premises without signing out of the building
• Not having any mobile device or airpods out anywhere in school except the Common Room
• Participating in a week of work experience in Year 12, where we recommend that you organise your own placement so that it is relevant to your future aspirations

Sixth Form Dress Code

As a Church of England school, we are committed to enabling the flourishing of all within our community. Sixth Form pupils are visible role models for younger pupils aged 4–16 and contribute significantly to the culture, ethos, and expectations of the school. The school recognises that traditional dress codes have sometimes placed unequal expectations on different genders. This policy therefore focuses on professional standards rather than prescribing gendered clothing.

This policy sets out expectations for appropriate dress and appearance which:

• uphold dignity and respect diversity of culture, faith, identity, disability, and personal circumstances;
• support positive professional relationships with staff and younger pupils aged 4-16;
• promote safeguarding and wellbeing;
• avoid gender-specific expectations or assumptions;
• reflect our Christian foundation and inclusive values; and
• apply equitably to all Sixth Form pupils.

The school seeks to balance professional standards with individual expression, diversity, and inclusion.

Sixth Form pupils are expected to dress in a manner that is:

• clean, tidy, and in good repair;
• suitable for an educational environment;
• consistent with maintaining professional boundaries with staff and younger pupils;
• free from slogans, images, or messages that could reasonably cause offence, undermine inclusion, or conflict with the school’s Christian ethos.

Sixth Form pupils should exercise professional judgement when selecting clothing for the school day. As members of an all-through school community and role models for younger pupils, Sixth Form pupils are expected to maintain a professional appearance. Tattoos must not be visible and should be covered whilst on school premises and when representing the school.

The following examples are illustrative rather than prescriptive. Sixth Form pupils may choose, for example:

• tailored trousers, chinos, skirts, dresses, or similar professional garments;
• shirts, blouses, smart tops, knitwear, polo shirts, or equivalent attire;
• jackets, blazers, cardigans, or jumpers without hoods;
• footwear smart enough to maintain professional standards, whilst also being appropriate to safe movement around the school.

Sixth Form pupils must ensure clothing and accessories:

• do not present health or safety risks;
• do not cause safeguarding concerns;
• include green Sixth Form lanyards that are to be worn at all times to support identification of Sixth Form pupils by younger pupils, staff and visitors.

Professional appearance also includes:

• maintaining appropriate standards of personal hygiene;
• ensuring jewellery and accessories are safe and suitable (facial piercings may include a small stud only);
• presenting a professional image when representing the school at all times.

If unsure whether clothing is appropriate, Sixth Form pupils may consider:

• Would this be appropriate for a school setting that includes younger pupils aged 4–16?
• Is this suitable for interaction with teachers and peers?
• Does this allow safe participation in all manners of school life?

If the answer to these questions is yes, the clothing is likely appropriate.

The Headteacher retains discretion to require adjustments where safety considerations arise.

Sixth Form Attendance Policy

Sixth Form Procedure

• We expect Sixth Form pupils to attend ALL of the lessons they are timetabled for.
• If a pupil is unwell we expect their parents to inform the Attendance Team on the first day of absence by 9.00am, just like they would with lower school pupils. This can be done on the MyEd App or by email to attendance@st-georgescofe-thanet.kent.sch.uk
• Sixth Form pupils may self-certificate an absence for a medical appointment only, as long as evidence of the appointment is provided. This should be done by email to the Attendance Team on attendance@st-georgescofe-thanet.kent.sch.uk
• If a pupil’s attendance falls below 90% an initial letter will be sent to parent(s), with a copy to the pupil, informing them of our concerns and the need to improve attendance.
• If there is no immediate and sustained improvement following this, a first Disciplinary Meeting will be arranged with the Director of Sixth Form, parent(s) and the pupil.
• Attendance will be monitored for two weeks following the meeting. If there is no improvement a second Disciplinary Meeting will be held with the Director of Sixth Form, Education Welfare Officer, parent(s) and the pupil to discuss the situation and to look at alternative options.
• Attendance will be monitored for a further two weeks and if there is no sustained improvement a final Disciplinary Meeting will be held with the Head of School, parent(s) and the pupil. At this point, unless there are extenuating circumstances, the Sixth Form place may be terminated and guidance with regard to alternative provisions linked to a careers interview will be offered.

To Follow