Starting in the school year of 2026, the state of Victoria will implement a ban on school logos for certain items of school uniforms in government schools.

This decision, announced by Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Education Ben Carroll, is intended to help reduce the financial strain on parents and families.

Under the new regulations, shorts, pants, skirts, and socks will be exempt from requiring school logos, allowing parents to purchase more affordable generic alternatives.

However, the ban will not extend to blazers, shirts, t-shirts, and hats, which may continue to display school branding.

Premier Allan emphasized the necessity of this measure, stating, "Parents are doing it tough right now – we're making sure they have one less thing to worry about." Minister Carroll added that the focus is on making government school uniforms affordable, as the costs associated with school can accumulate significantly.

Currently, many government schools mandate branded uniforms, leading to higher prices for families.

Reports indicate that some branded items can cost as much as $60 more than their non-branded counterparts.

The new regulations aim to alleviate this disparity by allowing for less expensive options for bottom garments and accessories.

Carroll further noted the importance of maintaining some level of branding for school pride, stating, "Schools can continue to have branding on hats, tops, shirts, dresses, and jackets – everything from the waist up – because it's important for school pride, making sure all kids walk into schools as equals, and recognizing students in a crowd."

As part of the transition to the new policy, the Department of Education will assist schools in reviewing and updating their dress codes, as well as consulting with their respective communities on the changes.

Students who have already purchased uniforms will be permitted to wear them during a transition period to mitigate immediate financial impacts on families.