Student Dress Code

Uniform branding and cost considerations

School councils must factor in the overall cost of uniforms, including sports uniforms and other specific purpose items, to ensure financial accessibility for parents/carers. The cost of school uniforms must not form a barrier to parents/carers sending their child(ren) to a government school.

In addition, no student should face obstacles to participation in school activities due to additional uniform expenses.

To ensure affordability, student uniforms must not include branded pants, shorts, skirts, skorts, leggings and socks that feature the school logo or name.

The school council must consider the following measures to minimise uniform costs.

Avoid customised items

Customised uniform items are those of unique fabric, colours or patterns that can only be purchased from a single supplier. Schools are recommended to avoid customised uniform items including items with bespoke fabric or items with multiple colours where a single-coloured option is available, for example, customised blue piping on a shirt collar and arms when a white shirt is sufficient.

Minimise uniform changes

School councils are encouraged to avoid frequent uniform changes which can increase costs for families. Schools are advised to avoid unnecessary uniform changes (for example, changes to school logo or fabric choice) and, where uniform changes are made, ensure adequate transition periods.

Trans-seasonal uniform

School councils are encouraged to consider introducing uniform items that are suitable to wear across multiple seasons. A trans-seasonal uniform gives students the choice to wear uniform items year-round, which is more cost-effective.

Affordable school shoes

Schools are encouraged to explore strategies to reduce the cost of school shoes which are often an expensive part of the student uniform. Strategies schools may consider include specifying shoes that can be purchased from more than one supplier or permitting shoes that students are likely to wear outside of school (for example black runners).

Uniform class sets

Schools are encouraged to consider maintaining class sets of sporting and academic uniform items (including blazers and ties) for students to borrow when representing the school at activities. This ensures students are not excluded from participation in activities that require additional uniform items.

Second-hand uniforms

Schools are encouraged to have second-hand uniforms for sale and to clearly communicate this option to families via their website. Second-hand uniform items are less expensive than new items and are more sustainable. Schools and school councils may decide to have periodic second-hand uniform sales or participate in other appropriate second-hand uniform sale services.