The new Walford uniform (from 2025) will offer interchangeable pieces that work together to create an all-seasons wardrobe. Students can select from a capsule collection of items, with the blazer as the hero piece that draws the uniform together. This means, at any time of year, a student may choose to wear a dress or a shirt with shorts, trousers, or skirt. They will not have to wear a summer uniform in Terms 1 and 4 and the winter uniform in Terms 2 and 3. Depending on the weather, they could layer their chosen option with knitwear, such as a pullover or cardigan, and a pair of tights (if appropriate). The blazer remains the outer garment at all times.

The School engaged Noone, a leading Australian uniform designer, to present various concepts to the community to review. Noone worked through our community survey data and our uniform archives and history to develop a range of items that provide optimal design and comfort for each girl while still maintaining the historical and defining element of our Walford school colours and distinctive brand.

The School's students, staff, parents and old scholars engaged in an extensive consultation process, providing feedback at various points. This was taken onboard by the designers, and together with the School, the designs were refined and developed.

All students were provided the opportunity to provide feedback throughout the process. The uniform is worn by them, so it is important to us that their thoughts and ideas influenced the development of a new uniform that allows them to feel comfortable, proud, and a true sense of belonging.

The transition period is two years. It begins at the start of Term 1, 2025 and concludes at the end of Term 4, 2026.

In the lead-up to the full transition in January 2027, students may wear either the current uniform or the new uniform but not a mix of both on any given day. Students can own both uniforms and switch between them, e.g. outgoing uniform on Monday and the new uniform on a Tuesday, or new academic uniform and outgoing PE uniform.

All students will wear the new uniform from Term 1, 2027.

The PE and sports uniforms have also been redesigned to complement the academic uniform. This is supported by 60% of parent respondents in the community survey completed in Term 1, 2023, who indicated a desire to see the sports uniform updated.

Yes. The Uniform Shop will have limited stock of the current school uniform. From Term 3, 2024, the current uniform will be sold at 50% of the retail price.

Additionally, second-hand uniform items can be purchased from the Uniform Shop upon request. 

Families wishing to sell their good quality second-hand uniforms can join the uniform buy swap or sell Facebook group run by our parent volunteers.

New Walford students commencing from 2025 are encouraged to wear the new uniform. However, if they have existing uniform items or wish to purchase items from the outgoing range, they may wear them until Term 4, 2026.

No. Students must either wear the current uniform or the new uniform—not a mix of both—on any given day. For the current uniform, this includes following the summer/winter uniform rules.

Students can switch between the outgoing and new uniforms on different days. e.g. outgoing uniform on Monday and the new uniform on Tuesday, or new academic uniform and outgoing PE uniform.

No, during the transition period, students can wear either the outgoing or new uniform. Special consideration will be given to the order of students in the photos to ensure an aesthetically pleasing look is captured.

Noone run a program whereby outdated uniforms can be used by less privileged communities overseas. They have a partnership with Rotary, “Donations in Kind”, whereby excess and obsolete uniforms are collected and distributed to less fortunate countries. Further information regarding the disposal of the old uniform will be provided to families.

No. The new academic uniform for the early years (ELC to Year 2) is play-based to allow for age-appropriate movement, comfort and play.

No, a student does not need all items. The uniform comes with the element of choice for students in Years 3 -12 and their families. The only compulsory outer garments of the uniform include the blazer (all year round), black school shoes and hat (compulsory in Terms 1 and 4, optional in Terms 2 and 3). There are no compulsory garments for ELC to Year 2 students; families may choose from the range.

Apart from the compulsory items, students can select items at their discretion. The purpose of the all-seasons wardrobe is to encourage students to select items that they find comfortable, that suit their individual style, and allow them the flexibility to wear a uniform that suits their daily learning.

The new uniform is an all-seasons uniform, so there will be no more ‘summer’ and ‘winter’ uniform. Students can wear a range of items through the year, or stick with one type of item.

For example, a girl may choose to wear the dress all year, or the shirt and trousers all year. All items are designed to work as a cohesive ‘look'.

Students can wear uniform items that they feel most comfortable in and that are appropriate for the weather or school activities on any given day. The blazer and hat will be the only mandatory purchases. Further information is available in our Uniform Guidelines.

Yes, this has been at the forefront of the review. The School is conscious of the costs buying a school uniform places on parents and has taken a considered approach to implementing a generous transition period and carefully setting the price of each item.

While more choices are available to students, in an effort to reduce costs, fewer items can be purchased in any given year, and across each student's schooling journey. The all-seasons approach ensures that any item can be worn throughout the year, eliminating the need for a different uniform required in various terms.

The traditional switch from the Junior School pinafore and skivvy to the Middle and Senior School skirt and shirt in winter is replaced with one academic uniform for all students in Years 3 to 12, suitable for all four terms. When students transition to Year 3, their ELC to Year 2 play-based uniform will become their PE uniform.

Additionally, accessories have also been streamlined. The new uniform excludes ties and introduces a single type of sock to be used with both the academic and PE uniforms.

 A price list will be released towards the end of 2024.

The new uniform will be available exclusively at the Walford Uniform Shop.

A complete guide to the new uniform collection will be made available soon.

The blazer will be the only compulsory formal item. In addition to the blazer, students can wear uniform items that they feel most comfortable in and that are appropriate to the weather or school activities on any given day.

During Terms 1 and 4, students who participate in a formal occasion outside of the School will also be required to wear their school hat.

Noone has embraced recycled plastic (PET) in its garments. For example, shorts and pants now feature 30% recycled PET plastic. After much testing, Noone’s technique of combining recycled plastic with virgin polyester, viscose and elastane, provides strength, low pilling, stretch and comfort required in a modern sustainable fabric. Noone also remains committed to natural fibres for their natural biodegradability, and uses Australian wool in its blazers, pullovers, vests, cardigans and pants.

The dress, skirt, and shorts are made out of 63% polyester 32% viscose and 3% spandex, to allow movement and comfort. The fabric is extremely soft and comfortable and is suitable for wear in all seasons. It is easy to care, with the fabric needing little or no ironing.

Shirting is made from polycotton Oxford fabric which allows breathability and also minimal ironing. It is slightly thicker fabric to allow for modesty and comfort in all seasons.

Pullovers and cardigans are made from 80% new Merino wool and 20% nylon. The new innovative high twist yarn creates soft and comfortable garments that can be worn all year round without the itch and scratch of wool from years gone by. This garment is machine washable and can be tumble dried. We recommend this garment is spot cleaned and aired out in between washes.

Blazers are made from 90% wool with nylon and 2% stretch to allow for movement and comfort all year round. We recommend the blazer be spot cleaned and aired out during the school year then dry cleaned only once or twice per year.

Sustainability

Noone is registered with Ethical Clothing Australia, a program that maps a business’s Australian supply chain throughout design, pattern making, cut, make, trim and dispatch, including all value adding services.

This is done via annual compliance audits conducted through an agreement with the Textile, Clothing and Footwear (TCF) Union (the Union).

Noones’ major manufacturing partner is Trisco Pty Ltd in Indonesia. Established in 1997, Trisco is internationally recognised for providing the finest quality tailored apparel to companies like Qantas, Telstra, international companies such as Emirates, Singapore and American Airlines as well as Westpac and Commonwealth Bank of Australia.

Noone is always conscious of overseas supply chains because the level of transparency in production is often difficult to audit. Trisco's supply chain is clear and unambiguous, with Noone staff visiting on a regular basis and audits regularly conducted.

The new uniform was officially launched in July 2024, ready for commencement in 2025. Samples can be viewed in the School Shop.

Students in Years 3 to 12 will wear black lace-up school shoes with the academic uniform. Sandals will phase out with the outgoing uniform.

Well-supported sports shoes (non-light-up, and without wheels) should be worn with the ELC to Year 2 and PE uniforms.

The fabric composition of the 90% wool blazer makes it is a very durable clothing fabric that is easy to spot clean. Light colours such as this have been tried and tested in several schools across the country and they are wearing very well.

Tips and tricks for keeping your new blazer clean without having to dry clean it regularly.

The use of a damp sponge and light press on any stain or mark on your blazer will provide an easy cleaning solution. Additionally, simply airing wool blazers in a shaded environment will ensure perspiration smells dissipate without the need for continual dry cleaning. Dry cleaning should really only occur once or twice per year.

Braids will be accommodated in accordance with the Student Recognition Policy.

The designers at Noone have considered both competitor colours and our Walford branding. Considerable attention has been given to the historical colour palette and uniform history of Walford during the research phase. It is important to us to strike a balance between remaining true to who we are as a School and maintaining differentiation from other education providers.

Our community survey data, and our uniform archives have influenced the uniform designs. The current tartan used on the Walford winter skirt was launched as part of the last uniform redesign in 1982. Historically, it has only been part of our 130-year history since then. Feedback from the community survey regarding the tartan was also polarising.

For those wearing the new uniform, each Year 12 student will be invited to change the pocket on their blazer. The Year 12 pocket will include a gold embroidered crest instead of the standard navy blue embroidered crest.