The 175 Collection
Introducing our new Academic Uniform
The 175 Collection
I am delighted to introduce the 175 Collection - a refreshed version of the Scotch College Academic Uniform that boys have worn with pride for generations.
This redesign began with a conversation. Two Year 10 boys approached me with a thoughtful request: to make the Candy Coat more accessible to all students. Their initiative sparked a broader consultation process, with boys from across the school contributing ideas and feedback. This uniform is not just for them; it has been shaped by them.
The 175 Collection honours our heritage while embracing the future. It retains the familiar look of Scotch, while elevating comfort, quality and versatility. Improved fabrics and contemporary tailoring make the uniform easier to wear, easier to care for, and help our boys look and feel their best.
The collection also brings greater cohesion from Prep to Year 12, with a natural progression that reflects each stage of a boy’s journey through the school.
Our Committee is currently exploring a range of suitable hat options for boys in the Senior School and we are considering designs that are both sun smart and respectful of student preferences. A rain jacket for wet weather is also in progress and we look forward to sharing these new items shortly.
I extend my sincere thanks to designer Jonathan Ward, uniform consultant David Johnson, and our partners at Noone. Most importantly, I thank the students, staff, parents and Old Boys whose insights have shaped a uniform that reflects who we are, and who we are becoming.
The 175 Collection is more than fabric and thread. It is a symbol of pride, belonging and progress. I look forward to seeing our boys dressed for success in 2026 and beyond.
Dr Scott Marsh Principal
175 years in the making
Scotch’s uniform has always been a reflection of our values, our history, and our boys. Over time, it has evolved to meet the expectations of each generation. This latest refresh continues that tradition. It has been shaped by feedback, guided by expertise, and inspired by the boys themselves.
As an Old Boy, I’ve watched men’s fashion shift dramatically since my time as a student at Scotch in the 1980s. Yet our academic uniform remained largely unchanged. It is a style that no longer resonates with contemporary standards or student identity.
We’ve heard consistent feedback about how our boys appear in public. The grey suit coat, once a symbol of formality, now feels anonymous and uninspiring. Many boys have quietly replaced it with the red soft-shell jacket, resulting in a fragmented and inconsistent public image. Ironically, it has become quite un-uniform.
A turning point came when designer Jonathan Ward said, “I don’t understand Scotch. You have one of the best blazers in the world and you don’t wear it.” He was referring to the iconic cardinal, gold and blue candy coat. Traditionally reserved for recognition, it carried prestige but also created divide. Some Year 12 boys didn’t feel worthy of wearing it, and that broke my heart.
We felt strongly that every Scotch boy should wear the candy coat with pride. Not as a symbol of elitism, but as a shared expression of identity. By redesigning the coat to include a pocket for individual achievement, we’ve created a way for boys to personalise their journey while still belonging to something greater.
The candy coat has informed the entire collection, from the distinctive Prep to Year 2 activewear to the contemporary shirt options for Years 3 to 12. The new College wardrobe gives boys greater freedom to choose what they wear, while maintaining consistency and cohesion across the school.
Removing seasonal uniform requirements and reducing the need for multiple jackets will also be welcomed by parents. Every item has been upgraded in quality and durability, ensuring the range will stand the test of time.
This relaunch has been driven by feedback and shaped by collaboration. I thank the committee for its passionate commitment, Jonathan Ward for his creative leadership, and David Johnson for expertly guiding us through the complexities of uniform design.
Tim Shearer (‘85) Head of Advancement
“The 175 Collection supports boys in every moment of their Scotch journey, from running, jumping and playing in Prep to stepping out of the Monash gates as confident, respectful young men. It’s a uniform that offers consistency, comfort, and a strong sense of belonging.”
The Cardinal Thread
Scotch College has always been a school of tradition and transformation. Our uniform, like our students, has evolved with the times.
In the early years, Scotch College had no formal uniform, as school sports were not regularly played until the 1870s. Initially, the blue and white of the cross of St Andrew was used, however this tended to clash with the colours of other schools. To distinguish themselves, Scotch boys wore cardinal socks in a football match in 1886, and the colours of cardinal and blue were adopted.
Under Principal William Littlejohn in the early 1900s, the first blazer was introduced, and uniform elements like caps, ties, and trousers evolved, with sailor suits popular among younger boys before World War I.
From the 1920s, Scotch’s uniform became more consistent. The iconic blazer, introduced in 1932, has remained largely unchanged except for its pocket. Between the 1930s and 1967, the academic uniform remained stable, with minor changes such as tie widths and the reintroduction of single-breasted suit coats.
Scotch’s colours become cardinal and blue
1851-73
No known uniform or colours
1886 1904-07
Scotch blazer: cardinal with white piping and “SC”on the pocket
1929
Grey suit coat introduced by this year
1932
Fourth and current Scotch blazer: worn only by Prefects in 1932 and by all from 1933
1908-32
Gold added to Scotch’s uniforms in 1908. During this period, there were two different blazer designs and a variety of caps and ties
White Form 6 (Year 12) jumper with Scotch-coloured V-neck and waistband
1934
Grey jumper with Scotchcoloured V-neck and waistband introduced by this year
1970s 1974 1993
Senior School summer uniform introduced–shorts now available
Behind the seams
The 175 Collection is proudly Scotch: united in tradition, ready for the future.
Over 18 months, the new Scotch College academic uniform was developed through a thoughtful and inclusive process designed to reflect the values, identity and aspirations of our school community. Benchmarking with similar institutions and exploring best practices formed an important part of the review.
The design process involved extensive consultation with a dedicated committee of students, parents, staff and Old Boys. Meeting regularly, the group reviewed evolving designs and discussed uniform protocols to ensure the final collection would meet the needs of today’s Scotch boys.
Leadership of the project was driven by Tim Shearer (’85), Head of Advancement, in partnership with Jonathan Ward, former Executive Designer at R.M. Williams and now a highly regarded schoolwear designer. They were joined by David Johnson, Scotch’s Uniform Consultant, and our longstanding partners at Noone.
2023 2024 2025
Decision made to conduct a full review of Academic Uniform.
2026
Academic Uniform Relaunch committee formed and designer appointed.
Initial concepts reviewed and feedback provided by students.
Uniform transition period commences for twoyear period. Swap Shop no longer accepting superseded uniform items, but will continue to resell existing stock.
Student, staff and wider community review process continues.
Final concepts approved by the Executive and School Council, new collection produced, available in the Scotch Shop from early November.
2028
All boys to wear new uniform from 2028. Unsold superseded uniform items will be donated and recycled.
Seven core garments
Blazer/candy coat, jumper, shirt, shorts, trousers, tie and socks.
A uniform for all seasons
With a coordinated wardrobe, there will no longer be a summer and winter uniform. Items complement each other and can be worn year-round.
More Scotch
With the candy coat worn by boys in Years 9 to 12 and the stripes reflected in Prep to Year 2, our boys are more identifiably Scotch than ever before.
Supports boys in every moment of their school journey
From jumping, tumbling and getting messy in Prep, to stepping out of the Scotch gates as respectful, confident, well-presented young men. The cohesive range offers consistency, comfort, and a strong sense of belonging every step of the way.
Places inclusivity at its core
The new wardrobe allows boys to wear what they are most comfortable in all year round and the designs are comfortable for every body shape.
Balances respect for the past while embracing the future
The new uniform aims to feel familiar and more “Scotch” than before, yet fresh, modern and comfortable.
Is designed for busy families
The new uniform is made from durable, easy-care fabrics that wash and iron effortlessly, built to withstand the demands of daily school life while staying sharp and comfortable. The fabrics are highquality, breathable and sustainable fabrics, suitable for Melbourne’s unpredictable climate.
Prep to Year 2
Our youngest boys can jump, play and learn in a uniform designed for comfort, movement and mess. On PE days, boys simply swap their polo for a house top - everything else stays the same, keeping the routine simple and consistent.
The wardrobe
Red bucket hat
Track pants
Active shorts
Blue socks
Blue puffer vest
Short sleeved striped polo shirt
Long sleeved striped polo shirt
Long sleeved jumper (not pictured)
Years 3 to 6
As boys grow, so does their independence, and their uniform evolves to support it. Designed for both learning and play, the uniform balances comfort with a growing sense of responsibility, helping boys transition between Junior and Senior School.
The wardrobe
Years 3 to 8 tie
Graphite socks
Red jumper or vest
Graphite shorts
Graphite trousers
Graphite blazer
Short or long sleeved striped shirt
Years 7 and 8
In Years 7 and 8, boys begin to step into their senior years with a uniform that reflects maturity and pride. While still practical for movement and activity, it introduces more formal elements that signal their growing role in the College.
The wardrobe
Years 3 to 8 tie
Graphite blazer
Graphite trousers
Graphite shorts
Graphite jumper or vest
Short or long sleeved white shirt
Graphite socks
Years 9 to 12
The iconic candy coat can now be worn by all students in Years 9 to 12. Reflecting leadership, tradition and respect, the uniform prepares them for life beyond school while reinforcing the values of presentation and professionalism in every setting.
The wardrobe
Years 9-12 tie, Year 12 tie or Prefect tie (if appointed)
Candy Coat
Short or long sleeved white shirt
Graphite trousers
Graphite shorts
Graphite socks
Graphite jumper or vest (not pictured)
Year 12 blue jumper
Your questions answered
The new uniform
When will the new uniform be introduced?
The new academic uniform can be worn from Term 1, 2026, with a two-year transition period.
What is included in the new academic uniform range?
The relaunch sees a rationalisation of the current uniform to effectively seven core items: Blazer/candy coat, jumper, shirt, trousers, shorts, tie, socks.
Will there still be a summer and winter uniform?
No. The 175 Collection offers a coordinated wardrobe of choice for students. Items complement each other and can be worn year round.
Is the sports uniform affected by the relaunch?
There is no change to the sports uniforms, and students must continue wearing official Scotch College sports attire for training and matches.
Are there optional items in the academic uniform range?
There are a number of optional items that can be worn with the academic uniform, including the scarf and broad-rimmed hat.
Are the fabrics machine washable or dry clean only?
All 175 Collection garments are machine washable, with the exception of the blazer and candy coat, which should be dry cleaned.
Will it be compulsory for students to wear ties?
Ties will be optional in Terms 1 and 4 and compulsory on formal occasions and in Terms 2 and 3.
What
can I wear to and from school?
Students are encouraged to wear the blazer (Years 3 to 8) or the candy coat (Years 9 to 12) when travelling to and from school. However, it is acceptable for the official school shirt, vest or jumper to be worn as the outermost garment. Sport uniform can be worn to school if attending a training session before school and from school if attending a training session after school, and for Scotch Explore.
Purchasing the new
uniform
When can I purchase the new uniform?
The new uniform will be available to purchase from 5 November 2025.
Where can I purchase the new uniform?
All official Scotch College uniforms only are available at the Scotch Shop, located at 4 Morrison Street, or online via the Scotch Shop portal. Parents can pre-purchase items online, and students can collect them the next day from the Scotch Shop. Items can also be tried on in-store.
Will the new uniform be more expensive to purchase?
The 175 Collection pricing is comparable to current items, with improved fabric quality and durability. The removal of summer and winter uniforms, and a reduction to seven core uniform items should see improved value for money for parents.
During the transition phase 2026-2028
Will my son be required to wear the new uniform immediately?
No. Students may continue to wear the current uniform during the transition period, allowing families to plan purchases accordingly.
Can my son keep wearing his current uniform?
The current uniform can be worn for a two-year transitional period. This period is designed to assist all families, but particularly those with boys in Year 11 and 12. The new uniform is compulsory for boys joining in Prep from 2026 and the Senior School in Year 7, 2026.
When will the new uniform become compulsory?
From Term 1, 2028 the 175 Collection must be worn by all boys.
Can the new uniform be mixed with the old uniform?
No, the new uniform should not be mixed with the old uniform.
Can the new academic uniform be mixed with the sports uniform?
No, the academic uniform should not be mixed with the sports uniform.
Can I still wear the red shell jacket?
Students are encouraged to wear the blazer or candy coat to and from school and a new wet weather jacket will be available in 2026. Students can continue to wear the red shell jacket during the transition period. From 2028, the red shell jacket will not be part of the uniform.
Sustainability initiatives
What impact is there on second-hand uniforms?
Second-hand items will still be available for purchase from the Swap Shop during its designated trading hours.
What happens to old uniform items?
Families are encouraged to donate gently used items to the Swap Shop or participate in the upcoming recycling initiative.
How will the superseded uniforms be recycled or disposed of?
Some superseded items, such as wool jumpers, will be recycled into 175th Anniversary blankets. Other items will be recycled for second-life usage.
Are the new uniforms sourced from ethically responsible organisations?
The project team has been consistently mindful of sustainability goals and the ethical sourcing of materials and items. Only reputable suppliers with certified environmental practices have been commissioned and low-impact dyes and recyclable packaging have been used.