The Victorian government has announced a ban on branded logos for uniform items worn 'from the waist down' in public schools, aiming to alleviate the financial strain on families starting in Term 1, 2026. This initiative is part of a broader policy aimed at making school uniforms more affordable amid rising cost-of-living pressures.

Under the new regulations, students will be required to wear uniform items in school colours, but branded clothing will still be permitted on hats, tops, shirts, dresses, and jackets.

The move follows consultations with families, schools, and suppliers which indicated that branded clothing significantly increases the costs associated with uniforms, as these items are often only available from specific vendors, unlike generic alternatives that can be found in multiple retail locations.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan stated the changes could lead to 'meaningful' savings for families, particularly those with students entering Year 7. She cited her own experience, estimating that the new guidelines could save families between $100 and $200 on the total costs of a uniform set for the academic year.

While the ban on lower uniform items is aimed at reducing costs, Premier Allan emphasized the importance of maintaining school branding on upper attire for identification purposes during school excursions.

Education Minister Ben Carroll mentioned additional adjustments as part of the updated dress code policy, which will allow students to wear winter and summer uniforms year-round and will not enforce specific types of shoes.

The government aims to ensure that schools have adequate resources to implement these changes by the start of Term 4 this year.

To accommodate families who have purchased branded uniforms in the recent past, students will be permitted to continue wearing these items until they no longer fit.

Support for the changes has been expressed by Parents Victoria, with Chief Executive Officer Gail McHardy highlighting that the initiative addresses a long-standing issue related to cost barriers in public school attendance.

The alteration to dress code policies is particularly beneficial for secondary school parents, who often face recurring expenses due to the growth spurts of their children.

McHardy noted that students have previously faced disciplinary actions for not adhering to specific uniform requirements, underscoring the impact of this new ruling.