The School Rules

The School Rules

The school expects all students to strive towards fulfilling their academic potential by maintaining high levels of attainment, effort and conduct. 

  1. Students will treat all members of the school community with kindness, tolerance and respect. 

  1. Bullying in any form will not be tolerated and will be dealt with using the full range of sanctions as set out in the school’s behaviour policy. 

  1. Students will have correct equipment with them for each lesson. 

  1. Students will be punctual, both in terms of arrival to school and lessons and also when submitting homework. 

  1. Mobile phones must not be used in school unless authorised by a member of staff. All students, with the exception of Sixth Form students, are expected to switch phones off at the start of the school day and place them in their locker. Their unauthorised use whilst on the school premises will lead to confiscation as per the school’s mobile phone policy. 

  1. Earphones are not to be used in corridors and will be confiscated. 

  1. ‘Smart watches’ are not to be worn in school. 

  1. Students must not leave the school site unless given permission to do so. 

  1. Students will demonstrate the highest standards of behaviour when off-site whilst in school uniform or when involved in a study visit/excursion. 

  1. Students will behave in a courteous, respectful and responsible manner when using public transport to and from school. 

  1. Possession, or the use of cigarettes, vapes or nicotine pouches on the school premises or whilst in school uniform is forbidden and can lead to a fixed term suspension. 

  1. Chewing gum is not permitted on the school premises. 

  1. Possession of potential weapons in school is forbidden and will be dealt with using the full range of sanctions as set out in the school’s behaviour policy. 

  1. Possession or the use of alcohol or drugs on the school premises or whilst in school uniform is forbidden and can lead to permanent exclusion. 

  1. The school has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual harassment and violence and will use the full range of sanctions as set out in the OPGS behaviour policy. 

  1. School uniform must be worn at all times (including to and from school).  For Years 7 to 11 this consists of: 

  • OPGS School tie with house colours – this must be visible and show seven stripes. 

  • Students are not permitted to wear any other tie other than those awarded by the school. 

  • OPGS Blazer with school badge. 

  • Plain white shirt which must be tucked in at all times with top button done up. 

  • OPGS black v neck pullover. 

  • Plain black trousers (‘jean style’, ‘super skinny’, or ‘chino style’ trousers are not permitted). 

  • Black socks. 

  • Black shoes (trainer or trainer style are not permitted). 

  • Plain black belt (if worn). ‘Designer’ belts are not permitted. 

  • Earrings, ear studs and jewellery are not permitted, nor the piercing of any part of the body. 

  • Plain dark outdoor coat (no hoodies). Coats must be taken off before entry into school and must be placed in lockers. 

  • Hair must be natural in colour and extreme hairstyles are not permitted. Long hair must be tied back. The Headteacher reserves the right to ask students with very long hair to have it cut back to a reasonable length. Haircuts below a grade 2 and ‘tramlines’ are not permitted. 

Bags should be substantial and able to cope with carrying a minimum of three A4 sized textbooks. A minimum capacity of 10 litres is recommended. 

Items which are not part of the school uniform will be confiscated and the school reserves the right to take disciplinary action regarding breaches of its uniform code. Coats must be taken off before entry into school and must be placed in lockers. 

Detailed expectations for students, parents and staff are set out in the school’s ‘Expectations for Learning’ document which is shared with all members of the community. 

Sixth Form Dress Code 

The Sixth Form dress code is designed to enable students to look at their professional best. The dress code allows considerable freedom whilst ensuring that everyone’s appearance is smart, sober in style and business-like. 

  • Students must wear business attire such as a formal jacket and trousers/skirt. 

  • Shirts/blouses/tops can be plain or patterned but must be formally cut. Ties must be worn with shirts. 

  • Skirts must be worn with 40 denier tights or thicker. Skirts must not be too short or clingy. Students breaking this rule will be given a replacement skirt by the Sixth Form Director of Study. 

  • Trousers should be formal in style. Leggings or drawstring trousers are not permitted. 

  • No strappy or low cut tops. 

  • No Leather or Pleather. 

  • Outdoor coats, jackets and scarves should not be worn inside the school buildings. 

  • Students are permitted to wear studs in ear piercings. A single small stud is allowed for a nose piercing. Septum jewellery must not be visible. 

  • Extremes of hair style and/or colour are unacceptable. 

  • No visible tattoos. 

  • Formal footwear must be worn. 

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