Australian School Uniforms: Types of School

There are various types of priavate schools in Australia. The major ones have been those established along the lines of the English public and preparatory schools. It is sometimes difficult to tell by the name of the school. Grammar schools in England and New Zealand, for example, are usually state secondary schools. Many Australian grammar schools are private secondary schools. Since the 1980s many new schools similar to American fundamentalist Christian schools have also been formed. There are significant differences in the uniform worn at these schools.

Preparatory Schools

The principal Australian private school for elementary-age children is the preparatory school. The original schools were mostly boys' boarding schools. They were established along the lines of the English preparatory school, to prepare boys for entrance in the exclusive public (private) boarding schools. Today most preparatory pupils are day students, but some schools still focus on boarding. Many of these schools still have traditional uniforms and strictly enforce the regulations on uniform.

Traditional Secondary Schools

The first Australian secondary schools were established along the lines of the English public and preparatory schools. It is sometimes difficult to tell by the name of the school. Grammar schools in England and New Zealand, for example, are usually state secondary schools. Many Australian grammar schools are private secondary schools. There are also acafemoes and colleges. Some of these schools have junior departments and thus accomodate both elementary and secondary-age children. The traditionally oriented schools often have traditional English-style uniforms and like the prep schools insistvthat their pupils pay considerable attentiin to uniform.

All Saints Grammar

This private grammar school in New South Wales is run by Greek Australians. It has both a junior and senior section. They have a very traditional uniform complete with boaters.

Christian Schools

Since the 1980s many new schools similar to American fundamentalist Christian schools have also been formed. Many of these schools put an emphasis on discipline. They vary greatly, however, as to uniform regulations.







Additional Information

Related Links: Careful this will exit you from the Boys' Historical Clothing web site, but both sites are highly recommended

Apertures Press International Project: Pictures at schools in different countries and a book on British schools
Apertures Press New Zealand book: New book on New Zealand schools in progress
Boys' Preparatory Schools: Lovely photographic essay of British preparatory schools with some over 200 color and black and white photographs depicting the schools during the 1980s
School Uniform Web SiteInformative review of British school uniforms with some excellent photographs




Christopher Wagner

histclo@lycosmail.com


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Created: November 23, 1999
Last updated: November 23, 1999