The Department of Education has recently updated the Student Dress Code Policy to ensure that school uniforms remain affordable for families. As a result, all government schools are required to review their current uniform policies and make some changes.

 

What are the changes?
The updated policy requires schools to ensure that uniforms are affordable and that branded items worn below the waist are no longer part of school uniforms. Starting in 2026, uniforms cannot include branded pants, shorts, skirts, skorts, leggings, or socks. Schools can still have branded tops, such as t-shirts, jumpers and jackets.

 

What items are affected?
The change applies to all branded ‘below the waist’ items, including pants, shorts, skirts, skorts, leggings and socks. These items will no longer be included in school uniform requirements from 2026. However, existing items can still be worn until they are outgrown or worn out.

 

What about items with a specific colour or pattern?
Some uniform items have a particular colour, fabric or pattern but do not include the school logo or name. These items are considered customised rather than branded and may still be part of a school uniform. Schools will still review these items as part of the broader affordability review.

 

What about sports uniforms?
From 2026, branded sports shorts and track pants will also no longer be part of the uniform. Schools may continue to have branded sports tops, and students can continue wearing existing sports items until they are outgrown or worn out.

 

Can students still wear the uniforms they already have?
Yes. Students may continue to wear any existing branded ‘below the waist’ uniform items until they are outgrown or worn out, including during the 2026 school year and beyond.

 

What about school dresses?
Most school dresses are considered customised rather than branded, so they can remain part of the school uniform. Schools will review dresses as part of the broader uniform affordability review.

 

Will parents be able to provide feedback?
Yes. As part of the policy update, School Council will review the current dress code in consultation with the school community, including parents and carers, staff and students. This process provides an opportunity for families to share feedback or suggestions, particularly around uniform affordability.

 

Can second-hand uniform items still be sold?
Yes. Schools can continue to sell or provide second-hand branded ‘below the waist’ items, and students may continue to wear them until they are worn out.