Student Dress Code

Dress code legislation

The following information describes the legislative basis for dress codes by Act, Regulation or Order.

Ministerial Order under the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic)

Authorises the school council to develop a dress code that covers any matters which a school council considers appropriate in relation to:

• clothing and other items worn, carried or used
• grooming
• physical appearance and the general presentation of students.

Section 26(1)(c) – Education and Training Reform Regulations 2017 (Vic)

States that the principal of a government school may determine the consequences to be imposed on a student for not wearing the school uniform in accordance with:

• a determination on school uniforms made by the school council and
• any Ministerial Order in relation to student discipline.

But the principal must be satisfied that the:

• student's failure to wear the uniform was because of the student's disobedience
• consequences must be reasonable, and
• dress code policy has been brought to the attention of the students and parents.

Section 42 – Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic)

States that an educational authority may set and enforce reasonable standards of dress and appearance for students:

• where a standard of dress and appearance for students is considered reasonable
• when the views of the school community have been taken into account in setting the standard.