The Department of Education and Communities School Uniform Policy requires schools to review and document school uniform or dress code requirements in consultation with their communities and to develop strategies for the wearing of school uniforms. School uniforms should reflect school community standards and be consistent with occupational health and safety, antidiscrimination and equal opportunity legislation.
BENEFITS OF SCHOOL UNIFORM
The wearing of school uniforms by students will assist school communities in:
• Developing students’ sense of belonging to the school community
• Providing an opportunity to build school spirit
• Enhancing the health and safety of students when involved in school activities
• Promoting a sense of inclusiveness, non-discrimination and equal opportunity
• Reinforcing the perception of the school as an ordered and safe environment
• Increasing the personal safety of students and staff by allowing easier recognition of visitors and
potential intruders in the school
• Promoting positive community perceptions of public education
• Making school clothing more affordable for families by eliminating the risk of peer pressure to
wear transiently fashionable and expensive clothes.
PRINCIPLES
A school uniform should:
• Cater for all students in the school community in a manner sensitive to gender and local cultural
and social issues including cultural and religious diversity
• Meet requirements of occupational health and safety, anti-discrimination and equal opportunity
legislation
• Promote the health and safety of students by identifying items necessary for particular activities
e.g. items for sun protection
• Include items that are affordable, comfortable, made from easy-care and easy wear fabrics,
appropriate for activity and suitable for all body shapes
• Provide girls and boys with equal access to the full range of school activities
• Include strategies for promoting the wearing of the school uniform
• Be reviewed regularly and amended as needed
