Uniform

Pupils are expected to have enough uniform items to ensure that they can wear a newly laundered item for every day of school. A full uniform list for each of the different schools is available online and in the joining information. Every article of clothing must be clearly marked with the pupil’s name.

•    All clothing must be neat and clean.

•    No frayed, torn or excessively worn items.

•    No non-uniform sweaters, sweatshirts, jackets, etc.

•    Shirts should be tucked in at all times.

•    Skirts must reach the knee (NB the uniform shop offers a tailoring service to ensure skirts fit comfortably). Girls are encouraged to wear black shorts underneath the skirt, but these should not be longer than the length of the skirt itself. As an alternative to the skirt, girls may choose to wear full-length black trousers.

•    Socks should be navy or black and be ankle or knee length – socks over the knee are not permitted.

•    Jackets and coats may be worn to and from school and during break; coats may not be worn in class. All pupils in years 7-11 are required to wear school uniform jackets and winter coats. Hoodies (including Wellington branded hoodies) are not permitted at any time.

•    Shorts are allowed in Primary (years 1- 6). In Secondary, (years 7 -13), shorts are not permitted. 

Footwear

Pupils are expected to wear black leather shoes during the school day. Boots or trainer-style shoes are not appropriate. Shoes may not have any prominent branding on them and must be kept clean and polished. Open-toed (e.g. sandals and flip-flops) and high heeled shoes are not permitted. For all sporting and performing arts activities, specific footwear for each discipline must be worn.  
 

Name tapes

Every article of clothing must be marked internally with the pupil’s name and year group. Visible naming or embroidery on any uniform item is not permitted. Footwear should also be marked accordingly.

Jewellery/ Make up

Jewellery and make up must be discreet and unobtrusive. The following are acceptable examples:
•    Simple stud earrings
•    A wristwatch.
•    A simple necklace that must be worn inside the school shirt and not visible.

Pupils must remove all jewellery before playing sport. They may also be directed to remove jewellery before other lessons and activities such as science experiments, drama rehearsals or when working in the art and design studios.

Stickers, teeth gems, message buttons and visible tattoos, body piercings, etc. are not acceptable at school.
Excessive make up not permitted.

Hair 

Hair must be kept clean, neat and tidy and not hang over the eyes.

Hair colour must be consistent with a pupil’s own natural colour. Dyed hair is, therefore, not permitted.

Haircuts or styles may not be ostentatious or distracting; no lines, patterns, multi-levels, excessive use of hair products etc. are not permitted.

Hair should be tied up for health and safety reasons in specific activities e.g. Sports activities, DT / science practical lessons, etc 
Ribbons, clips, bands and ‘scrunchies’ should be navy, black or school uniform.

Pupils should assume a smart, subdued appearance that is not a source of distraction.

The Master is the final arbiter in all questions of adherence to school guidelines. The College reserves the right to require pupils whose appearance does not meet expectations to leave school until those expectations are met.

PE and Sports Kit 

The school PE kit should be worn for PE lessons. Pupils may come to school in PE kit on the days of timetabled PE lessons only.

Other branded Wellington sports’ kit (e.g. team or tour clothing) may be worn for practice or training sessions, but not formal PE lessons. Pupils may only change into training / match kit after the end of the school day.

For school matches or events, only the formal kit for the matches may be worn.

Sixth Form Uniform: Basic Expectations and Guidance 2025

As representatives of the most senior part of the school, Sixth Form pupils are permitted to wear formal business attire in place of the standard school uniform.
 

Formal business attire includes the type of clothing that one would expect to see people wearing in a professional place of work. It is distinct from informal clothing of the sort that is worn outside working hours, in the evening or at weekends. The aim is that our senior pupils appear as an employer would see them – smartly dressed in a business suit, ready to meet clients, conduct meetings and act as representatives for the institution to which they belong.
 

The following guidance is designed to help you understand what we mean by ‘formal business attire’. This dress code reflects our culture of professionalism, responsibility, and leadership. As senior members of our school community, you serve as role models for younger pupils and represent Wellington College in public settings.
 

Why Does Wellington College Require This Dress Code?

1.  Leadership & Role Modelling

As the most senior pupils, you set the standard for younger pupils. Dressing professionally reinforces discipline, respect, and maturity.

2.  Preparation for the Future

University, internships, and careers often require formal attire. Wearing it now helps you develop confidence and professionalism.

3.  Representing the School

Whether on the school campus, at events, or in public, your appearance reflects Wellington College’s values and reputation.

4.  Equality & Inclusivity

The dress code is gender-neutral, allowing all pupils to express themselves professionally while maintaining a unified standard.

 
 

These graduates are modelling formal business attire

A reminder that:

•    Jackets must be worn on all formal occasions (e.g. parents’ meetings, Speech Day etc)
•    Clothing may not display garish branding or patterns
•    Jewellery should be restricted to a watch, discreet earring studs and a plain necklace. Chains are not permitted.
•    Be mindful of your personal grooming – hair neatly styled, consistent in colour with your own hair (ie dyed hair is not permitted), minimal makeup/perfume/cologne.
•    Ask if unsure – if you have questions about what is appropriate, check with the Head of Sixth Form for further guidance.

PE Kit

On days when physical education is timetabled, pupils must wear Wellington branded PE kit. Pupils can wear this for the whole day, if they wish to. Pupils are not allowed to wear other types of sportswear.

What Happens When the Dress Code is not met?

Pupils who fail to meet the standards of our dress-code outlined above will be asked to go home and change. Consistent abuse of the dress-code will result in the individual being asked to revert to the standard school uniform.
By embracing this dress code, you demonstrate maturity, responsibility, and pride in being a Wellingtonian. Thank you for upholding these standards with confidence and respect.

Policy valid from: SEPTEMBER 2025