Female trainee barristers have been told they will lose points in their exams if their skirts are too short.

Guidance given to students taking the bar professional training course at BPP University sets out a schedule of point deductions for infringements including "too much shirt undone", "short skirts (women)" and "colourful socks (men)".

The list of “offences of professional conduct” itemises the point penalties for students if they are not properly dressed during their advocacy assessment, a mock court situation which tests their knowledge of legal process and courtroom terms and behaviour.

Colourful socks lose a male advocate a point, while wearing a skirt above the knee would cost a female trainee two points, the list, which is given to students as part of a manual on advocacy, says.

The most costly infringement is for a female trainee whose bra is showing, which would result in the loss of three points, as would wearing boots with a short skirt.

This outfit choice is "an inappropriate combination for court", the guidance, leaked to the blog Legal Cheek, adds.

The university is not the only one to warn students they could be penalised for their dress. The University of the West of England's guidance says trainee barristers could lose two points for "unkempt hair" and five points for wearing trainers.