Victorian Government bans school logos on multiple uniform items to ease financial pressure on families

Parents in Victoria will no longer have to pay top dollar for branded school uniforms, with Premier Jacinta Allan announcing a ban on school logos on certain items. The major change to the student dress code policy is set to come into effect next year, with logos no longer permitted on shorts, pants, skirts and socks at Victorian government schools. Ms Allan and education minister Ben Carroll announced the change on Wednesday, after receiving feedback from schools and families that branded items were a major contributor to high uniform costs. Feedback included that regularly worn and replaced customised items were an added financial burden on families. The state government said some individual branded items could cost about $60 more than “generic” alternatives. Ms Allan said while government school uniforms should be worn with “pride”, they still need to be affordable. “Parents are doing it tough right now – we’re making sure they have one less thing to worry about,” she said. Many schools require parents to purchase branded uniforms, usually from one provider, or risk consequences for their child. The Victorian government said under the changes “standard and unbranded” was the new rule. “School costs can add up, and that’s why we’re helping with uniform costs and saying goodbye to expensive branded shorts, skirts, trackies and socks,” Mr Carroll added. In order to maintain “school pride”, however, the government said schools could continue to have branding on “everything from the waist up”, including hats, tops, shirts, dresses and jackets. A major review by the Department of Education will also assess the affordability of student uniforms and help state schools update dress codes if necessary. Schools will be required to implement any changes from the start of the 2026 school year, however the government said transitional arrangements would ensure uniforms already purchased could be worn.