Dress Code Standards - The Oxford School

TOS Dress Code Standard

Aim :

The Oxford School holds high expectations and standards for students under our care. The aim of our uniform is for students to present a neat, worklike appearance at all times, thereby preparing them for the world of work and employment. We believe that uniforms can help to develop the right mindset among learners, instilling pride, supporting positive behaviour and discipline.
We always promote professional conduct and presentations from students. As responsible citizens, students should maintain decent attire and outlook. Keeping this in mind, the school has a very strict, well-defined, and comprehensive uniform policy.

Objective :

Through this policy, The Oxford School shares responsibilities with its students and parents that the student is in full proper school uniform every day they are in school. If a student fails to meet the uniform requirements of the school, the student will be requested to rectify this with immediate effect.

If this is not possible, they will be required to remain at home until such time as they can meet the school’s expectations. Students will be refrained from lessons if they are not in full school uniform.

Purpose :

All students are dressed to the same professional standard. The wearing of a uniform removes opportunities for peer pressure and bullying.

Scope :

This policy will be in use along with the School’s Behaviour Policy and will apply rewards and sanctions regarding uniforms to all students regardless of age and ability. Issues on the ongoing uniform issues will be reported by staff, and in coordination with the Head of Section, they will act to resolve the concerns immediately. Further sanctions will be issued as required.

The Head/Principal will be the final decision-maker in this regard. Students not conforming to follow the correct school uniform and not willing to resolve any issues will be refrained from attending lessons and may be sent home to change.

Responsibility :

It is the responsibility of all members of the school community—students, parents, and staff—to ensure that students are in full proper uniform at all times while in and around school, as it is an essential requirement. We expect the cooperation of parents in maintaining a high standard of dress and presentation from our students.

School and Staff Commitment :

As a school and as members of the staff, we will ensure that:

Students will be regularly reminded about the school uniform rules and expectations, during assemblies, registration time, and in lessons.
Efforts made by students who wear their uniform correctly will be recognised and praised using commendation cards/merit points.
We act as positive role models for students.
We are approachable, responsive, and alert to any problems at home that could cause difficulties with wearing the correct school uniform. This will be informed to the pastoral care team, who will find a way to resolve any issues.
We will identify, correct, and issue sanctions for incorrect wearing of the school uniform in line with the school’s behaviour policy.

Sanctions:

In cases of faltering from the prescribed uniform, the following actions will be taken:

The first warning will go from the class teacher to the defaulter. The class teacher will email the parents regarding the issue, and the matter needs to be resolved by the parent.
After the first warning from the class teacher, the matter will be escalated to the Section Head, and a written warning letter will be issued.
The Head of Section will address any further offence that occurred by having a face-to-face meeting with the parents.
If the violation continues, the principal will meet the student and parent, and a detention letter will be issued from the principal’s desk. In that case, the parent must pick up the child after the detention period.
If the offence continues, the child will get a three-day suspension, and the matter will be communicated to the KHDA if required.
If the issue persists, the child will not be registered for the next academic year, and TC will be issued at the end of the academic year.

Student Commitment :

Students are expected to:

Follow the School’s Uniform Guide in ensuring to wear the uniform accordingly.
Wear the school’s uniform properly. Example: Shirt properly tucked in.
Wear the applicable footwear as stated in the School’s Uniform Policy.
Wear the LEAMS blazer or LEAMS-designed jackets only at all times of the year.
Wear the school specified hairbands only.
Wear the school ID cards regularly.
Keep the uniform clean, pressed well, and presentable in school at all times.
Wear the prescribed school uniform according to the day. For example, on PE days, PE uniform and core uniform on other days.
All shirts will be buttoned up and tucked in properly. Sleeves will not be rolled up.
Trousers will be adequately belted at the waist and will NOT be kept low.

Parental Commitment :

- Provide full support in maintaining a high standard of dress and presentation. Will ensure the correct wearing of the school uniform to and from school as well as while on campus.
- Inform the student’s Class teacher or Section Head if a child has difficulty meeting the School Uniform requirements. In such cases, seek permission through email or phone call, at least before the school day begins.
- If there are any medical reasons why the wearing of the School Uniform is difficult or needs modifying to meet any individual’s needs, we will provide medical information or a letter from the General Practitioner.
- Restrict students from buying incorrect or inappropriate items and will provide students with the correct items of clothing for the School Uniform.
- Restrict hairstyles and shoes to those that are accepted by the school and check for any queries with the Section Head or the Pastoral Care Officer.
- Help the child to maintain a clean and tidy appearance with their uniform and personal hygiene.
- Ensure to purchase the appropriate uniform size to ensure students look smart and decent and to avoid a shabby look. The approved uniform for each key stage is available on the website.
- Ensure that the student wears an ID card to school every day.
During field trips, students are expected to follow the dress code prescribed by the school authorities.

Jewellery :

Girl students are allowed to wear one small stud earring in each ear. No other piercings are permitted.
Students are allowed to wear jewellery items of religious significance, which is not very visible, with prior approval from the Head of Section and followed by a formal written parental request.
Any other jewellery items, such as rings, necklaces, wristbands, or ankle bands, are not permitted.
Sunglasses are not to be worn in classrooms or offices. Prescription glasses should not be worn over the head.

Make up :

No makeup is to be worn by students.
Use of make-up, cosmetics, body paint, tattoos, piercings, and nail polish is strictly prohibited.
Students are not permitted to carry any make-up items to school; if found offensive, the items will be confiscated and not returned.

Tie and Scarf :

Ties are compulsory for all FS, KS1, and KS2 boys and girls. KS3, KS4, and KS5 boys must wear their prescribed ties.
KS3, KS4, and KS5 girls must wear their assigned school scarves.

Belt :

It is expected that boys wear a black leather belt on all days except when they wear their PE uniform. The belt should be a modest black leather belt with no fancy designs or engravings and no fancy buckles.

Shoes :

Only black school shoes are allowed to be worn. Shoes must be polished and must not have any coloured soles or logos.
Any types of sports shoes (even if they are fully black) are unacceptable.
Students will be prohibited from being in lessons if they wear any shoes other than the prescribed ones.
During the PE days, students can wear only pure white sports shoes, without any other colour or logos on them. (The students must wear clean socks every day along with their shoes as per the uniform guide.)

Hairstyles and Headwear :

Haircuts or hairstyles that draw undue attention to the wearer are not permitted. Coloured hair or highlighters are not allowed. Spikes and hair gel are also not permitted. Cultural hairstyles without colour highlights are allowed.
Boys' hair should be neatly trimmed uniformly to ensure that the ears and forehead are not covered; the length of the hair should not extend beyond the nape.
Hats/caps are not to be worn at school except for field trips, where they should be plain and simple.
Girls' hair should not cover the forehead; if longer than the shoulders, it should be neatly braided.
Muslim girls must wear school-issued Hijabs, neatly tied, and should be worn to meet their purpose.

Others :

On any special occasions or celebrations, students can come in semi-formal casual attire with the school principal's permission. Prior information regarding the same will be communicated by the school authorities. Casual attire to adhere to the culture of the UAE. No tank top, low necks, no exposure to shoulders/arms/midriff, and not tattered jeans.
Mobile phones, music players, and personal digital assistants are not allowed at school. Only in the case of an emergency may a mobile phone be brought, but it will have to be deposited at the office of the Head of the Section/Class Teacher/Reception. Parent consent letter to be brought along with this to seek prior permission.
The possession of skateboards, skates, roller blades, scooters, and bikes and their use is prohibited at school. However, the school does not take any responsibility for the loss or damage of these items. Football boots are only allowed for football with prior permission of the PE teacher. After the session, students are to wear regular PE shoes.