Radford uniform renewal
By Ms Karen Mahar, Acting Deputy Principal, Head of Junior School
We are excited to update the community on the progress of our uniform renewal project, which began in May 2023 when a group of Year 11 and 12 students proposed refreshing the College uniform. Since then, the project has evolved into a comprehensive and collaborative effort to align an updated uniform with Radford’s values, heritage, and practical needs.
Community engagement and consultation
The review officially commenced in January 2024 with an extensive consultation process involving the entire Radford community. The survey conducted earlier this year captured the essence of who we are and what our uniform represents. We were impressed by the level of engagement and the valuable feedback, which has been instrumental in guiding this process. If you’d like to access the summary of the results, the Nexus post can be accessed here.
The survey reaffirmed the significance of the College uniform in fostering belonging and representing Radford in the broader community. It also highlighted the desire for uniformity without conformity.
The message to the uniform committee – comprising College leadership, parents, and Collegians – was clear: the community wants a uniform that embraces choice, gender fluidity, and practical items that support an active lifestyle while maintaining an elevated casual approach. Engaging in robust discussions and considering diverse perspectives has been key to ensuring the renewed uniform reflects the aspirations of our community.
Honouring tradition and embracing the future
Throughout this process, we have remained mindful of Radford’s history, reviewing archival documents, past committee minutes, and uniform samples dating back to 1983. These historical elements help us honour our heritage while designing a uniform that reflects contemporary values and style.
The new uniform will feature trans-seasonal options for Canberra’s changing weather, gender-neutral choices, and a flexible wardrobe approach that promotes student agency. Durability, quality fabrics, and functionality are priorities, ensuring the new uniform supports students’ active lifestyles. We want a uniform that everyone is proud to wear.
During a recent walk past the new playground, the uniform committee observed Year 5 and 6 students at play. It became clear that the current uniform has some limitations, particularly in comfort and freedom of movement. We aim to ensure that our students have clothes that are comfortable and won’t restrict their movement – whether climbing or doing a cartwheel!
Design and sampling
Our uniform design team, which includes Jonathan Ward and his associates, have been working closely with senior leadership, parents, and Collegians. Meeting every six weeks throughout 2023–24, the team has reviewed various design iterations, focusing on colour palettes, fabric samples, and specific garments like shirts, knitwear, blazers, and polo shirts.
At our most recent meeting earlier this month, we made significant progress, bringing the new uniform closer to its final form.
Invitation for consultation
We’re excited to share concept designs with staff, students, and the community at the Radford College Twilight Fete on Saturday 2 November. We encourage you to stop by the display to preview these early designs as we move into the final stages of development. Your feedback remains vital to ensuring the uniform reflects the Radford spirit.
Change management
The significance of implementing a new uniform is understood and we have planned a smooth transition. Final decisions will be made early in 2025, with the renewed uniform available for purchase starting in Term 4 of 2025. The new uniform will officially launch in 2026, and we will have a two-year transition period, during which students may wear either the current or the new uniform. By 2028, we anticipate that all students will be wearing the new uniform.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement in this important initiative. We look forward to sharing more updates as the project progresses!