Dress Code
Crew Blacks
Our dress code is really simple. It’s based on ‘crew blacks’ - the dress code worn by technical crews across the creative industries. It is designed with our specialist, industry focused curriculum in mind.
It’s comfortable, smart and professionally appropriate in both practical and formal occasions and therefore more versatile than a generic ‘school uniform’, allowing our students to move freely and safely around when operating equipment on set, in workshops or out producing content for clients.
The dress code MUST be ALL black with the black ESA branded t-shirt or jumper. ‘Industry blacks’ is the generally accepted dress code on set or backstage in film, TV and theatre. Industry dress code is important as it unifies us and conveys our shared values. Our dress code is appropriate to both practical learning and a formal environment of work and study. This prepares students for the standards of professional dress in a variety of industry contexts including both creative production and client facing.
Professionalism
We combine this industry dress code with a black suit jacket, which allows students to present themselves as smart professionals when engaging in formal activities such as interviews, production meetings, assemblies and when meeting professional partners and employers.
Our learning environment is a hands-on and active place so the suit jacket is not required at all times but all students will need one for formal and professional occasions.
We have an unbranded ESA suit jacket available at our dress code store along with the ESA t-shirts and jumpers, but students can source their own suit jacket if they would rather - but it must be black.
Shoes and Accessories
All footwear must be all black. Shoes or trainers are fine but all detailing and laces must be black. Footwear must also be safe and industry appropriate so no open toed shoes or unduly large heals. Trainers/school shoes should be plain black without coloured logos or laces.
Trousers or skirts must also be all black. Jeans, trousers or skirts are fine but not leggings, shorts or ripped jeans.
We don’t have any strict rules about accessories or styling such as jewellery or hair colour, however it must be industry safe, so we ask that chains and necklaces be tucked in and ear and face piercing be small and not hoops. We also ask for no caps, hats or hoods to be worn in and around the academy.
The branded items of dress code (and our unbranded suit jacket) are sold by our dress code partner Schools Colours Direct.
Coats and Lockers
Students should not wear coats or other jackets in school. Upon arrival, they can hang their coats in our cloak room (behind reception), or purchase a locker from student services (£10 deposit). We do not want to have to remind or challenge students on this issue, and instead would prefer them to be organised and in correct dress code each day.
Casual Wear and Customising
Students are not allowed to wear casual alternatives such as hoodies, shorts, tracksuit joggers or leggings as part of the ESA dress code.
ESA t-shirts and suit jackets, in black, are a consistent part of the dress code, and cannot be exchanged for sleeveless shirts, vests or tank tops. We also do not allow tied or cut tops (the t-shirt can not be modified to become a crop top), long mismatched sleeves under their t-shirts.
Physical Education Kit and Dancewear
The dress code is deliberately suitable for practical education. For PE, there is a specific kit (see PE kit). Key Stage 4 students may come to school in their PE kit on the the day when they have their PE lesson. The rest of the week, they must be in ESA dress code.
Please note that the PE hoodie may only be worn on PE day and not on other normal school days. In dance, students may wear all black dance attire including black leggings and/or leotard - please note that these items may only be worn in the lesson and students must change before and after class. Legging may not be worn at other times and are not part of the ESA dress code.
Skirts
If students elect to wear black skirts as part of their dress code, the skirt must be long enough to cover the upper thigh, roughly a handspan above the knee or longer. The length and material must be appropriate and reflect the professional, industry learning environment of the college (i.e. not tight mini skirts). Any student wearing a skirt needs to ensure they have the appropriate clothing to complete practical subjects where required, as failure to do so will impact on their ability to participate in practical learning.
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