The Bishop Stopford's School - Uniform

Uniform

The school has recently been one of the few remaining schools in Britain where students as well as teachers might wear traditional gowns; however, this has declined in recent years. The uniform is a white shirt, navy blue tie, navy blue V-necked pullover and blazer bearing the school crest, with black trousers for boys and a blue pleated skirt or blue trousers for girls. The summer uniform substitutes a short-sleeved shirt. The uniform is widely available at retail outlets and hence affordable. Ties now also bear the house and year colours. In the past, pupils could also opt for shirt-sleeve order in the summer, with sleeves rolled up, pullover and tie removed, and top button undone. Now students are expected to wear the tie at all times, and may only undo the top button and remove pullovers or blazers with express permission. There are strict rules for the length of skirts and height of socks for girls.

Unusually, teachers at Stopford's are also required to comply with a strict dress code, although it is not so strictly enforced since Mrs Evans took over as head. Prior to 2001 female members of staff were forbidden to wear trouser suits and had to wear skirts. Male members of staff were asked to wear a suit. Some staff wore traditional black teaching gowns, which complemented the blue and grey gowns of the pupils. Until 2001 all staff were referred to as Masters or Mistresses rather than "teachers". As at a traditional grammar school, lessons were called "periods".

As at all traditional English schools in the past, Masters or Mistresses were always addressed as "Sir" or "Miss". However, in recent years the use of the teacher's surname preceded by his or her title has become acceptable. The use of teachers' first names is still forbidden.