Celebrating 140 Years - Our Wardrobe Collection
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to our most commonly asked questions below, and explore our information booklet for further details.
Should you have any additional questions, please email wardrobe@kingswoodcollege.vic.edu.au.
Why is the College updating the student wardrobe?
As the College moves towards its 140th year, this is a moment to consider whether the current wardrobe reflects who our community is today. The 2025-2029 strategic plan formalises that direction.
Two things are happening: formal Kingswear options are being introduced from 2027 for occasions where students represent the College, and in 2027 the College will seek community feedback on the future of senior free dress. Neither is sudden, and neither is without good reason.
What exactly is changing?
Activewear (Kingswear) remains the foundation of daily dress for all students and is not changing.
From 2027, formal Kingswear options will be available for events, excursions, and occasions where students represent the College. Formal wear will remain optional until 2030. From 2030, students in Years 3 to 9 will be required to wear formal Kingswear for Celebration Evening, formal gatherings, and when representing the College. Students from Pre-Prep to Year 3 will not be required to wear formal Kingswear.
Free dress remains for students in Years 10 - 12. During 2027 the College will undertake community engagement with students, families, and staff on the future of senior free dress.
When do these wardrobe updates take effect?
The transition is staged and deliberate. Formal Kingswear options will be available from 2027. They remain optional until 2030, when they will become required for certain occasions for students in Years 3 to 9. No new purchases are required now.
Community engagement on the future of senior free dress will take place during 2027, and the College will share more detail about how that process will work before it begins.
Did the College consult the community before introducing formal wear?
The introduction of formal Kingswear reflects direction set through the 2025-2029 strategic planning process, which included some input from students, families, and staff.
On the question of senior free dress, the College has deliberately not made a final decision. The 2027 engagement process is designed to hear from the community before any further direction is determined. That is why the process is happening.
Why is the College introducing formal Kingswear?
Our students do remarkable things. They represent the College at events, excursions, and in the wider community. Formal Kingswear gives every student something they can wear with confidence and pride in those moments. The items are being designed with comfort, inclusivity, and practicality at the centre, with the same commitment that has always guided Kingswood's approach to student dress. This is not about restriction. It is about reflecting the excellence of our students.
Will this cost families more money?
No purchases are required now. Formal Kingswear options will be available from 2027, and they remain optional until 2030. Pricing will be shared well before items are needed. The transition has been designed so that no family is asked to purchase everything at once.
We chose Kingswood specifically because of the free dress policy. What does this mean for families?
The values that drew your family to Kingswood are not changing. Genuine care for students, inclusive thinking, and a commitment to doing what is right for the community have always been at the heart of what the College does. This announcement reflects those values, and the decision to consult before acting on free dress reflects them too. No decision has been made about senior free dress. The 2027 engagement process exists precisely because the College wants to hear from families like yours before determining any direction
What does formal Kingswear look like?
The intent is a modern, cohesive option that works across all body types, sensory needs, and identities. We are also seeking student input into the final designs from some students. More information and visuals are available in the handbook at the top of this page.
Will the new wardrobe work for my child who is neurodivergent, gender diverse, or sensory-sensitive?
Yes. Activewear remains the daily foundation, and comfort, sensory-friendliness, and freedom of movement remain non-negotiable. Inclusive design for neurodivergent and gender-diverse students is an explicit requirement in the development of any new items. The formal option will be designed to work across all body types and identities.
What is the 2027 community engagement on free dress, and what will it involve?
In 2027 the College will ask students, families, alumni and staff to share their views on the future of senior free dress. We want to understand the range of experiences and perspectives within our community. The College will share more detail about how that process will work in 2027. Every voice that reaches us through the official process will be read and considered.
Where can I ask questions or share feedback?
You can contact the College at wardrobe@kingswood.vic.edu.au. All formal announcements will come directly from us. Please treat any other source as unofficial.
What does this mean for me?
Activewear stays as the everyday wardrobe for everyone. From 2027, there will be formal Kingswear options for events and occasions where you represent the College. You will also have an opportunity in 2027 to share your views on the future of senior free dress. Your perspective matters, and the College genuinely wants to hear it.
Is the College removing free dress?
No decision has been made about senior free dress. The College will run a dedicated community engagement process in 2027 to hear from students, families, alumni and staff before any direction is set. The result of that process will shape what happens next.
Why is formal Kingswear being introduced?
Formal Kingswear is for events and occasions where you represent the College. It is not about replacing activewear or adding restriction. It reflects that the College believes in you and wants you to have something you can wear with confidence and pride in those moments. The items are being designed to work across different body types and identities, and some of you will be asked to provide feedback to make sure we get it right.
Will students get any say in what formal Kingswear looks like?
Yes. Some students will be invited to provide feedback on the designs. If you are interested in being part of that process, contact Jones.G@Kingswoodcollege.vic.edu.au.
What happens to my current wardrobe?
Nothing. Activewear options are not changing.
I have heard rumours. What is actually happening?
Not everything circulating is complete or accurate. The College will communicate directly and clearly about what is happening, why, and what it means for each year level. The official source is Celebrating 140 Years - Our Wardrobe Collection | Kingswood College, or you can write to wardrobe@kingswood.vic.edu.au.
Can students wear combinations of the formal wear and active wear?
Yes. We are intentionally designing the formal wear collection to complement the active wear range, allowing items to be worn interchangeably. Students may mix and match formal and active wear pieces during the transition period. By our 140th year, students will be expected to have purchased the full formal uniform option alongside our daily active wear range.
At Kingswood College we proudly work to fulfil our vision to embolden hearts and inspire minds in a nurturing environment, on land that holds deep cultural significance to the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation. We acknowledge and honour their Elders, past and present, and extend our respect to all First Nations people. Whenever we gather, and wherever we gather, we extend respect and dignity to the first inhabitants of our country and acknowledge the truth about the country on which our school has stood and now stands.
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