New Academic Uniform

a strong one-Brighton look designed for the future while respecting the past

Jonathan Ward, designer

A new chapter

Nothing denotes ‘belonging’ as much as wearing the uniform of the School.

The refreshed BGS academic uniform, available for the beginning of 2019, marks a new chapter in our 136-year history.

The brief

We wanted a more consistent look to heighten the boys’ sense of belonging across our single-campus School from ELC to VCE.

The brief required a contemporary look that enabled the boys to undertake their many and varied daily activities while feeling smart and comfortable.

The new uniform had to strengthen our visibility in the community. And of course it had to retain our strong connections to the past.

The process

Every School stakeholder group was involved in the review process – students, parents, staff, Old Boys and School Council members.

Jonathan Ward was appointed to lead the review. The former executive designer for R. M. Williams is known for his versatility, design sense and understanding of how school uniforms work.

Jonathan worked closely with the Uniform Review Steering Committee to create new design proposals. Stakeholders then discussed the proposals and agreed on the final design.

The design

The new design celebrates quality, longevity, innovation and design flair.

The design is divided into three ranges: a play-based uniform for ELC, a functional and contemporary Prep to Year 10 uniform, and a distinctive uniform for the Year 11 and 12 senior boys. These ranges represent the boys’ development and Rite of Passage through their school years.

The uniform includes layering and optional pieces that give the boys choices.

Slouch hat
Sports shorts and socks
Trackpants
Long sleeve t-shirt
Short sleeve polo
Long sleeve rugby
Full uniform
Long sleeve and short sleeve shirt
Junior tie (L) Middle Years tie (R) and winter and summer socks
Junior School shorts and pants
Middle years short and pants
Knitwear
Blazer
Prep to 6 full uniform
7 to 10 full uniform
Shirt.
Tie and socks, winter and summer
Pants and shorts
Knitwear
Blazer
Full uniform

Features

The BGS colours (dark/navy blue and red) remain a key feature of the new design.

The design has much greater consistency throughout the School, with all boys from Prep to Year 10 wearing the same uniform (with a change of tie at Year 7). This range features blue-striped shirting with modern, flat-front charcoal trouser and short options, and optional knitwear. The blazer features a new red/white/blue braid that complements the modernised crest.

The introduction of a new striped blazer for Years 11 and 12 ensures that the senior boys are easily recognisable as leaders within the School and the wider community. This blazer will be presented to boys by the School at the conclusion of their Rites of Passage program towards the end of Year 10.

Overall, the new uniform features cuts and fits that are wearable, comfortable and versatile across a multitude of social and cultural factors. It uses cutting-edge, performance-based fabrics that are durable and present smartly. It is also more cost-effective for parents than the previous uniform.

 

Frequently asked questions

Academic uniform review
  • Why are we introducing a new academic uniform?

    We felt that a new uniform, with a more consistent design from ELC to VCE, was required to reflect BGS as a single-campus school. Implementing a consistent look across the School also means uniform cost savings for parents.

    A key criterion in the brief was to provide an academic uniform that has a contemporary feel, is flexible and comfortable to wear, and is better suited to the school environment and to boys’ learning. The brief also stipulated that the new uniform design reflects the values and traditions of BGS.

  • How different is the new uniform?

    The BGS colours (dark/navy blue and red) remain a key feature of the new academic uniform. A major difference is the increased consistency of design throughout the School.

    The new ELC uniform is more play-based; Prep to Year 10 students will all wear the same uniform (with a change of tie at Year 7); and VCE students (Years 11 and 12) will have a special blazer, shirt, socks and tie to mark their final years at BGS. The Senior Blazer will be presented to boys by the School at the conclusion of their First Horizon (Rites of Passage) program towards the end of Year 10.

    Shorts and pants will be the same for all students from Prep to VCE, making the uniform more cost-effective. Other changes include the use of better quality fabrics, and more comfortable and age-appropriate fit.

    The new uniform is on display in the BGS Uniform Shop for the remainder of the year or you can see it in the video above.

  • Has the School considered the cost impact on families?

    Yes, this issue has been at the forefront of the Uniform Review Steering Committee’s work. A two-year transition period between 2019, when the uniform is introduced, and 2021, when the new uniform will be compulsory, will enable families to plan and prepare.

    In addition, the current blazer and jumper will continue to be available at a discount of 50% to assist families in transitioning.  Current shirts, socks and ties will also be available at a 50% discount.

    In the long run, the cost to parents will be significantly less, with students from Prep to Year 10 wearing the same uniform (apart from a change of tie at Year 7) and the Senior Blazer being presented to the boys by the School. The pricing of the new uniform is in line with our previous prices (lower, in some cases), other schools and the general market for school uniforms.

    View the new price list.

  • How will the new uniform be phased in?

    The new uniform was introduced in 2019. There will be a two-year transition period, with all students expected to be wearing the new uniform by the beginning of the 2021 school year. 

How will this affect me?
Acknowledgements

This two-year process has been both exciting and rigorous. Sincere thanks

Ross Featherston – Headmaster, Chair of Uniform Review Steering Committee

Peter Tellefson – Deputy Headmaster, Head of Junior School

Dr Ray Swann – Deputy Headmaster, Head of the Crowther Centre

Tim Marshall – Old Brighton Grammarian, Vice President OBGS

Amanda Banfield – BGS parent, BGS School Council Member

Katie Flockart – BGS parent, President BGS Parents’ Group

Brigitte McGregor – BGS parent, President Junior Parents’ Group

Anthea O’Connor – BGS parent, Fashion Stylist

Jonathan Ward – Lead Designer, Jonathan Ward Couture

Melanie Whitling – General Manager, Sales and Marketing, Noone Imagewear