Auckland Grammar tells female teachers: no low-cut tops

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Even teachers have to meet the dress standard under the ‘Grammar way’.

One of Auckland's poshest schools expects not only its students to turn up to class in correct uniform - but also its staff.

And under Auckland Grammar School's strict dress code for teachers, plunging necklines and hemlines of skirts and dresses that are shorter than just above the knee will earn the wearer a trip to the headmaster's office.

Dress shirts, blouses, sweaters and smart tops are acceptable but necklines must be modest.

"Low-cut tops showing cleavage are not appropriate for schoolwear," the dress code, obtained by the Herald on Sunday, reads. Spaghetti-string straps on tops or dresses are also unacceptable unless they're hidden under a cardigan or jacket.

Female footwear is limited to dress shoes or boots with sandal-style shoes including jandals and Birkenstocks not permitted in the classroom.

Under the code male teachers at Auckland Grammar School have waved goodbye to walk shorts, knee-high socks and sandals and replaced them with a corporate wardrobe of ties, business shirts, dress pants and formal footwear.

"They're all gone," said headmaster Tim O'Connor.

"So are the stubbies. We have moved with the times and we have moved with fashion."

O'Connor said adopting a corporate dress code mirrored principles of the "Grammar way" which encouraged excellence, respect and success. "When I started we worked through grooming and uniform changes with our boys and it was really important as a Grammar community that everything was aligned."

The corporate-style wardrobe for men includes dress trousers, business shirts with the top button fastened and a tie worn formally at all times.

According to the list obtained by the Herald on Sunday a "smart" jersey is permitted as long as it adds to the appearance of the formal attire, and suit jackets were also deemed desirable.

O'Connor said while it was a reasonably prescriptive list the objective was to set high professional standards. "It takes away the temptation to be lower than what the standard is."

The most contentious move in the staff dress makeover was the introduction of a compulsory tie.

If a teacher breached the new classroom standard a quiet word with the headmaster quickly ironed out situations.