Common Entrance Exam - Dress Code?

[mum2lovely2]

My son is sitting Common Entrance (11+) for Independent School tomorrow. Just wondering if anyone could advise me whether it's okay for him to dress down in his normal weekend attire of jeans/t-shirt etc. or is he expected to make an effort and look smart? Sorry if this seems like a stupid question but I'm stressing at the moment and probably hanging my worries on this issue to avoid thinking about the bigger picture. Could someone please advise me so that I can stop worrying and get on with my day?

[crazygracieuk]

When I did 11+ (in the 80s!) I went in school uniform.

[bisybackson]

Do the school not say anything in their details? DS is doing his 11+ atm and one school specified school uniform and another said smart casual.

If they don't say anything, I would go with unripped jeans, t-shirt and decent sweater/top. That's what DS is wearing for his exam tomorrow. And it's what he wore last weekend for a different school and he looked absolutely 'right' and like all the others IYKWIM.

[mum2lovely2]

Thanks bisybackson. The school has not given any guidance. I was half expecting to receive a letter confirming date and time of exam and general guidance about where to go etc and what to bring. Or is that unrealistic considering the numbers taking the exam? Anyway, will go with your advice. Thanks for that.

[bisybackson]

Actually - I think you should have had a letter from them. I would call to check and confirm details.

[mum2lovely2]

Yes- thanks. Called the school just after my last post. They said I should have received an email but lots of parents hadn't. Have all the details I need now. Thanks again bisybackson

[bisybackson]

Excellent. Good luck to your DS.

[DuplicitousBitch]

top hat and tails would go along way in helping your son pass

[CarrotsAreNotTheOnlyVegetables]

If no specific guidance given just go in comfortable casual clothes, you will find that is what most others will wear. Your DC will not be judged on appearance when sitting an exam.

When going for an interview I would advise school uniform.

[LetsEscape]

School uniform might put him in the 'right' frame of mind. Our school suggests/insists in this.

[CarrotsAreNotTheOnlyVegetables]

Conversely, casual clothes may be less stressful than uniform. It was for my DD.

[campion]

I agree with LetsEscape. I never cease to be at some of the clothes sported by some candidates.


Trying to suggest that a long, quilted coat with fur-lined hood was not going to be the best thing in an already warm classroom took up unnecessary time last year.


She didn't budge, I didn't want to upset her and she didn't get in!!

[RatherBeOnThePiste]

Jeans and a top are fine, and for interview DS couldn't wear his uniform, because what we had was so atrocious by then he went looking like boy from Boden and it did the trick.

[LondonMother]

My son took all his entrance exams in the scruffy stuff he normally wore to school and everywhere else - tracksuit bottoms, trainers, some sort of top. His primary school had no school uniform. As far as I know, no one writes at the top of the script what the child was wearing.

We attempted to smarten him up a little for his interviews, but not much. He got offers everywhere.

[GemmaWard]

School uniform, definitely. If a school has a uniform, it should be worn for all school activities.
If not, it doesn't matter.

[ReadingMan]

It's difficult - DD has exam for Abbey on Monday which is school day so will wear normal primary school uniform.

[CarrotsAreNotTheOnlyVegetables]

Yes if its a normal school day and DC will be returning to school after/ going to exam in afternoon then school uniform.

DD went in casual gear to the scholarship exam for her linked senior school and there were only a handful who went in uniform.

Was before start of term though.