FAQs: New SPCC Academic Uniform

Why is SPCC introducing a new academic uniform?

The new uniform is part of a broader journey to bring the SPCC visual identity into closer alignment with our refreshed organisational brand.

The conclusion of our previous supplier agreement also provided an opportunity to respond to feedback from families and staff about garment quality, consistency, customer service and the overall purchasing experience.

The new collection has been designed to provide improved quality, comfort and flexibility while creating a stronger and more consistent SPCC identity.

Who designed the new uniform?

The uniform was developed by SPCC and Midford under the creative guidance of acclaimed Australian designer Jane Parker.

Jane was one of the creative forces behind the iconic Country Road brand and brings decades of experience in fashion design and brand development. She worked closely with Midford and SPCC to develop a uniform that honours our heritage, reflects our refreshed brand and meets the practical needs of students and families.

What principles guided the redesign?

The collection was designed to be:

• Inclusive and comfortable
• Practical and durable
• Flexible across the seasons
• Supportive of movement and sensory needs
• Simpler for families to purchase and manage
• Distinctive and reflective of the SPCC brand
• Appropriate for each stage of a student’s educational journey
• Produced with consideration for ethical sourcing and sustainability

Why was Midford selected as the new uniform supplier?

Midford was appointed following a comprehensive tender process that considered:

• Garment quality and durability
• Affordability and long-term value
• Customer service
• Retail and online purchasing capabilities
• Ethical sourcing and sustainability
• Product consistency
• Capacity to support the future needs of SPCC families

Midford has extensive experience supplying uniforms to Australian schools and demonstrated a strong alignment with SPCC’s expectations and values.

Were families and staff consulted?

Feedback received from families and staff over several years helped inform the decision to appoint a new supplier and redesign the academic uniform. This included feedback relating to garment quality, consistency, customer service and the purchasing experience.

The design process also involved consultation with relevant SPCC stakeholders and careful consideration of the needs of students across different ages and stages of schooling.

What are the main changes?

The new academic uniform introduces:

• A refreshed colour palette aligned with the SPCC brand
• New custom-designed checks for Junior and Middle School
• Nutmeg-coloured lowers across the College
• A refined white shirt for Senior School
• More short- and long-sleeve options
• A flexible all-season approach
• A simplified range of garments
• Greater choice in lowers and outerwear
• Updated practical features to improve comfort and durability

Detailed information about the garments available at each stage of schooling can be found in the new uniform brochures.

Will every College wear the same uniform?

The new collection creates a stronger and more consistent SPCC identity across our colleges while recognising the needs and identity of each stage of schooling.

Specific uniform arrangements may vary at some SPCC locations. Families should refer to the brochure relevant to their college for the correct uniform information.

Are girls required to wear skirts?

No. The new collection offers girls a range of approved options, depending on their stage of schooling, including culottes, skirts, tunics and pants.

These choices have been introduced to support comfort, movement and individual needs while maintaining a consistent and polished appearance.

Why has the uniform colour palette changed?

The new colours connect the uniform more closely with the refreshed SPCC organisational brand.

The nutmeg-coloured lowers symbolise the connection between Narnia and the wider SPCC community, bringing together Narnia’s Discover Me Blue and SPCC’s Inner-light Sienna.

The custom checks also reference elements of the original 1982 SPCC uniform while giving them a fresh, contemporary expression.

Is the sports uniform changing?

No. This phase of the project focuses on the SPCC academic uniform.

The sports uniform and representative sports uniforms will be reviewed separately during 2027. Relevant stakeholders will be engaged as part of that process, and families will receive information well before any future changes are introduced.

What does an “all-season” uniform mean?

The all-season approach allows students to dress according to the weather rather than being limited by designated summer and winter uniform periods.

Where short- and long-sleeve options are available, families can select the most appropriate shirt for the conditions. Students can also use approved knitwear and outerwear to add warmth when required.

Some formal items, including blazers and ties for Middle and Senior School, will continue to be required during Terms 2 and 3.

What are culottes?

Culottes provide the appearance of a traditional skirt while incorporating shorts. They have been introduced to give students greater comfort, coverage and freedom to move during the school day.

Where approved for their sub-school, students may wear culottes throughout the year, with black tights available as an option in cooler weather.

Why does the uniform change as students progress through the College?

The collection has been designed to reflect the student journey.

The colours, checks and styling gradually mature as students move from Narnia through Junior, Middle and Senior School. This creates a sense of progression while maintaining a recognisable SPCC identity across every stage.

Have sensory needs been considered?

Yes. Comfort and sensory needs were among the principles considered throughout the redesign.

The collection includes flexible layering, different garment choices and short- and long-sleeve options. Families with specific concerns about their child’s needs are encouraged to contact their college to discuss the support available.

What are the uniform options for Dynamic Learning College students?

Dynamic Learning College students will continue to experience the same sense of identity and belonging as the wider SPCC community, with uniform options tailored to support their individual needs.

Students may choose from the following approved combinations:

• Full academic uniform
• Full sports uniform
• Nutmeg lowers with the sports polo 

A redesigned hoodie will also be available as an optional item. It retains the existing design but uses a new fabric intended to provide improved resistance to fading.

The comfort of neurodivergent students was an important consideration throughout the broader uniform redesign. Particular attention was given to the softness of fabrics and seams to reduce potentially “scratchy” or uncomfortable elements. 

DLC will also maintain a small pool of formal uniform items that students can borrow when representing the College at formal events.

These flexible options reflect DLC’s commitment to providing the same SPCC experience and sense of belonging, delivered in a way that is thoughtfully tailored to its students.

When will students begin wearing the new uniform?

The new uniform will be available through Midford by the end of 2026, families will be advised when the new collection becomes available to purchase. The introduction will be supported by detailed ordering information, sizing guidance and opportunities to view the garments.

The new uniform will then be introduced gradually throughout the two-year transition period.

Can my child continue wearing their current uniform?

Yes. Existing approved SPCC uniform items may continue to be worn throughout the two-year transition period.

Families do not need to replace garments immediately and are encouraged to continue using current items while they remain suitable and in good condition.

Do families need to purchase the entire new uniform at once?

No. The transition period has been designed so that families can purchase new items gradually as existing garments are outgrown or need replacing.

This approach allows families to receive the full value from the items they already own and helps reduce the financial impact of the change.

What if my child changes sub-schools during the transition period?

Some garments have been intentionally designed to carry across stages of schooling, helping families receive greater longevity and value.

The brochure outlines which garments can continue into the next sub-school. Families can also speak with their college or Midford for advice before purchasing.

Will graduating students need to purchase the new uniform?

Students may continue wearing their existing approved uniform throughout 2027 and 2028. Families of students nearing graduation will therefore not be required to purchase an entirely new uniform solely because the new collection has been introduced.

How long is the transition period?

The transition will take place across 2027 and 2028.

During this time, students may wear either their existing approved SPCC uniform or the new academic uniform. The new academic uniform will become the required uniform from the beginning of 2029.

Can students wear a combination of old and new uniform items?

We recognise that families will transition at different times. Guidance about combining current and new items will be provided before the new collection becomes available.

Wherever possible, families will be supported to move gradually to the new collection. Students will still be expected to present in a neat and consistent manner using approved uniform items.

What should I buy if my child needs a replacement item during the transition?

Once the new collection is available, families will be required to purchase from the new range when replacing an item.

What will happen to second-hand uniforms?

Existing approved uniform items may continue to be worn during the transition period, including suitable second-hand garments.

Each college will provide any specific information about the operation of its second-hand uniform arrangements during the transition.

Will the new uniform cost more?

The corresponding items in the new academic collection will be introduced at the same retail price point as the current items.

The range has also been simplified to reduce the number of garments families may need to purchase. All-season options and garments that can transition between sub-schools are intended to provide greater flexibility and long-term value.

Will families be able to see the uniform before ordering?

Yes. SPCC plans to hold uniform roadshows to give families an opportunity to:

• View the new garments
• Feel the fabrics
• Learn about the available options
• Ask questions about sizing and fit
• Speak with representatives from SPCC and Midford

An online information session and supporting resources will also be provided for families who are unable to attend in person.

Will all items be available when the collection launches?

SPCC and Midford are working together to prepare for the introduction of the collection. Families will receive updated information about availability and ordering before sales commence.

If an item is temporarily unavailable, Midford will provide information about expected availability and suitable arrangements where applicable.

Where will the new uniform be available?

The new academic uniform will be available through Midford’s approved retail and online channels.

College-specific store information, online ordering instructions and opening dates are available on individual college websites.

How will sizing work?

Sizing information and fitting support will be available through Midford.

Families are encouraged to check sizing before purchasing, particularly where a student is moving into a new sub-school or selecting a different garment style.

What if there is a problem with the quality or fit of an item?

Questions about sizing, exchanges, faulty garments and product availability should be directed to Midford through its customer service or retail channels.

SPCC will continue to work closely with Midford and monitor feedback from families throughout the implementation of the new collection.

What ethical sourcing practices does Midford follow?

Midford requires its suppliers, contractors and business partners to meet expectations relating to:

• Child labour
• Minimum wages
• Workplace conditions
• Manufacturing processes
• Product quality and safety

Supplier manufacturing facilities are visited and assessed, and an independent audit program supports transparency and accountability across the supply chain.

As part of the Georges Apparel group, Midford works with QIMA and applies an Ethical Sourcing Code that establishes minimum standards for the factories used to manufacture its garments.

What should I do with current uniform items once I have purchased the new range?

We are working closely with Midford to develop a responsible recycling program for uniform items that are no longer required. Our intention is to partner with local organisations and ensure transparency across the recycling process.

These arrangements are currently being developed, and further information about how and where families can recycle obsolete uniform items will be shared toward the end of 2026. In the meantime, families are encouraged to retain these items.

How does the new uniform support sustainability?

The collection supports sustainability by focusing on quality, durability and garment longevity.

The simplified range, all-season approach and use of items that can carry between stages of schooling may reduce the number of garments families need to purchase. Practical details, such as replaceable double-knee patches in selected pants, are also intended to extend the life of individual items.

The two-year transition period will allow families to continue using existing uniforms rather than replacing serviceable garments immediately.

Where can I see the complete uniform collection?

The new uniform brochures provide detailed information about the garments and choices available at each stage of schooling.

Who can I contact if my question is not answered here?

For questions about uniform requirements or the transition process, please contact central@spcc.nsw.edu.au

For questions about ordering, sizing, exchanges or product availability, please contact Midford through its customer service or retail channels.