Uniform cops, hem-length rules and jewellery bans: Strictest school dress codes revealed
Buzz cut bans, skirt lengths and acceptable brands of shoes … here are some of the country’s most extreme school uniform policies.
From rulers to measure skirt length, millimetre precision on piercings and an outright ban on boys hair shorter than a number three, Australian private school dress codes may seem over the top.
An analysis by this masthead of various uniform policies across a number of faith-based schools identified some of the more extreme examples of dress codes.
Australia’s private schools continue to enforce strict uniform policies amid calls from Gender Equity Victoria to embrace more dynamic unisex uniforms for students.
In the government sector, policy documents from the New South Wales, Queensland, Australian Capital Territory and Western Australia all reference non-gendered or gender-neutral uniform options for students.
Christian schools say their strict standards ensure harmony among students and promote their schools’ individual values.
Strict uniform policies are often a source of pride for Christian schools which they say distinguish them from other schools.
Uniform officer
Schools such as Summerland Christian College in NSW reference a ‘Uniform Officer’ in their policy which has the authority to determine the appropriateness of students’ uniform and appearance.
At Summerland, the uniform officer “can require the student to measure the length (of the skirt) from the knee”.
“Skirts should be worn so that there is less than a 10-12 cm gap between the knee and the skirt hem.”
It claims these measures are “part of the College identity and gives a sense of belonging” to students.
Christian Cedar College’s (South Australia) policy has strict jewellery requirements, including the dos and don'ts of earings, a limit on one bangle and surprisingly, no crucifix necklaces to be worn.
Cedar College also provides complex flowcharts to help students and families to understand the school’s strict dress requirements which it says “enhances unity and equality”.
Northside Christian College in Queensland mandates “moderate style” haircuts and determines “no cut below a ‘number three’ is acceptable” under threat of a suspension.
Girls at Northside cannot wear a stud more than 5mm in diameter.
It claims these measures “aligns with College attitudes and behaviours that aspire for excellence”.
Caloundra Christian College in Queensland has a comprehensive 17-page uniform policy complete with diagrams and tables.
The policy says this is because “the way [students] conduct [themselves] and dress speaks to who [they] are and the standards [they] hold”.
Most school uniform policies prohibited make-up on girls and set clear binaries between boys and girls’ dress codes.
Alistair Macpherson from Associated Christian Schools, who represent 45 schools in Queensland, including some of the schools referenced here, said it is often up to Christian schools to decide a uniform policy that suits their individual beliefs and circumstances.
“Uniform Policies are important to many of our schools, as they bring consistency of appearance, demonstrate the professionalism that our schools strive for and encourage their students to attain, provide a basis for students to take pride in their appearance and presentation, and demonstrate school unity to the broader community.”
Gender Equity Victoria chief executive Micaela Drieberg argued uniform policies can “perpetuate rigid gender stereotypes” and called for schools to embrace unisex uniforms.
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Originally published as Uniform cops, hem-length rules and jewellery bans: Strictest school dress codes revealed
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