Cheltenham Secondary College: Fury over new uniform likened to ‘old man’s pyjamas’

Disgruntled parents have voiced their outrage about the new uniform being introduced at Cheltenham Secondary College, which they say is being forced upon them.

Parents at Cheltenham Secondary College don’t like the new uniform plans. Picture: Facebook

New uniform pieces at a Melbourne state school have been likened to “old man’s pyjamas”. Parents have been protesting against a uniform overhaul at Cheltenham Secondary College, saying there is no need for any change in 2024.

The school council has advised parents of the new uniform designs, which will see pale blue checked dresses and shirts replace a plain white shirt and dark green tartan dress, among other changes.

New uniform pieces have been likened to old man pyjamas.

Numerous online petitions have been started by disgruntled parents, with one saying “parents don’t want a new uniform when the existing one is fine, and students hate the new design”.

Another said the “new uniform looks like ‘old man’s pyjamas’”.

The uniform will be compulsory for all new students starting year seven next year and will be gradually introduced for other year levels.

Another parent, who wanted to remain anonymous, said generic pieces such as a low-cost plain white shirt would not be possible under the new uniform.

One change.org petition, which has attracted nearly 200 signatures, says that “parents are outraged that this change is being forced upon them, there has been no consultation, little communication, and no reason given for such a drastic change”.

The new Cheltenham Secondary School shirt.

The school council, who is overseeing the process, did a uniform survey but it did not specifically ask if the community wanted all new items of school clothing.

The school council did not respond to an invitation to comment but said in a school newsletter that it had “given a lot of time and thought to how we can support those families who may be struggling to make ends meet”.

It said the need for change came from “listening to student, parent/guardian and staff feedback through surveys and forums, the key points were comfort, fit for a purpose, value for money, quality, flexibility, and a renewed sense of identity”.

A spokesman for the Department of Education said uniform policies “are determined by school councils”.

The same school brought in an optional puffer jacket earlier this year which some parents objected to because it included an Aboriginal flag and a rainbow gay pride flag.