If your young adult is looking at their next steps after Year 11, and they have an EHCP, then Bradfields Academy could be the place to change their lives!
As students move onto the Sixth Form they begin to follow programmes of study which focus more on developing their independence and preparing them for their routes beyond Bradfields and into the next steps of their lives.
Students will study for qualifications such as employability skills, independent living, and, where appropriate, will engage in an extended work experience programme. Students on the academic pathway will have the opportunity to gain qualifications.
When they get to Year 14, students are able to access the exclusive courses in travel training and community volunteering which aim to promote and develop the independence and life skills required to develop our students into confident young adults.
Sixth Form students may apply to become Head Students and Prefects which helps to develop their leadership qualities, confidence and initiative. This in turn helps them to become positive and productive members of their learning community and role models for other students in the academy.
Students in the Sixth Form are not required to wear school uniform but have a smart dress code in order to promote a sense of pride and self-respect in their appearance as the senior members of the academy community.
They can also enjoy access to the Sixth Form common room during breaks and lunches where they can play pool, listen to music and chat with their friends in a space just for them.
Sixth Form Dress Code
When students transition into Sixth Form they are no longer required to wear a uniform; although we recognise that some young adults may prefer to continue to do so because of their sensory needs.
The expectation is for Sixth Formers to dress in appropriate business attire that reflects their standing of young adults preparing for the world of work. The tutor team, Engagement Support Leaders, Senior Leadership Team and Principal reserve the right to interpret what is, and is not, appropriate wherever there is doubt about particular details, or where appearance is considered extreme, offensive or completely inappropriate. We base our expectations on the type of clothes and appearance that would be acceptable in the workplace. Our gender-neutral dress code allows members of the Sixth Form to set a high standard in their personal appearance and conduct. All items on the list below may be worn by Sixth Form students in an appropriate colour suitable for an office environment.
- Smart, tailored style suit in a plain fabric or with a simple pattern (skin-tight clothing of any kind is not acceptable)
- Smart trousers
- Smart dress
- Smart jacket or blazer
- Smart plain shirt
- Smart blouse with sleeves and a neckline not below the collarbone
- Smart jumper
- Smart cardigan
- Smart shoes (Polished black or brown shoes, heels no higher than 2 inches)
- Smart, plain, matching socks or tights in a dark colour
- Formal items, such as waistcoats and ties are optional
Please also be aware of the following:
- Coats may be worn but are to be removed once inside classrooms/study areas
- A single piercing in each ear is permitted.
- Hair should be of a natural colour
- Where religious dress is worn such as a hijab, turban, abaya, etc., it should be worn in conjunction with the dress code and maintain its spirit.
Sixth Form PE Kit
For PE, Sixth Formers should wear:
- A sports t-shirt/polo shirt (coloured Navy blue/black/grey/white). A sports motif or badge is acceptable
- A choice of shorts/tracksuit bottoms (coloured Navy blue/black/grey)
- Suitable non-marking footwear
Students who represent the Academy at sporting fixtures will be asked to ensure they have the appropriate kit.
All items of clothing should be clearly labelled with the name of the young adult – labelled lost property can be returned to its owner.
Please assume that anything not specifically listed above is not allowed, for example, leggings, leather, pleather, hoodies, denim, vest tops, crop tops, visible tattoos and facial piercings are not included on the list, so are not permitted. Any clothing with rips, holes or large logos/slogans will not be deemed as being smart and the judgement of the Academy Leadership Team will be final on all matters relating to the Sixth Form Dress Code.
Jewellery, Make-up and Hairstyles
Whilst it is recognised that jewellery, make-up and hairstyles are expressions of an individual, it is also the fact that young adults are being prepared for their learning and their next steps towards employment. They are also in a setting where health and safety needs to be considered.
With this in mind, sixth formers are allowed to wear one pair of small stud earrings with a single stud in each ear lobe. This minimises the chance of it being caught or pulled and causing damage. Facial piercings are not allowed.
Natural-looking make-up is acceptable and short fingernails must be maintained.
Students on work placements also need to consider the employers’ codes as a breach of these could impact on these placements.
Finally, please remember that the dress code in the Sixth Form is a privilege not enjoyed by younger members of the academy community. It reflects the level of maturity and independence we expect from our Sixth Form students and any student failing to comply with it may be sent home to change.
Please note that the Assistant Principal for the community will make decisions in respect of all the items listed above should there be a dispute.
Our staff work in partnership with the students, their families, and outside agencies, to prepare them for their life after Bradfields.
To find out more, please complete the below form, call us on 01634 683990, or email office@bradfieldsacademy.co.uk