New uniforms for Elizabeth College
ELIZABETH College has revealed new-look uniforms to be introduced from September, including a girls’ version for the first time in its history.
The college is going fully co-educational this year, with 17 girls joining in Year 7.
That meant having to create a female version of the school’s uniform, as well as coming up a new sports kit.
Girls will be able to choose to wear either a knee-length tartan skirt or charcoal grey trousers, while a blue cardigan has also been introduced for them, which vice-principal Rick James said will be their summer wear, while the boys will be able go without jackets. Ties will also be optional in the warmer months.
Mr James said the Pendle design tartan was chosen because its dark blue matched the school colours and the design of the skirts came from suggestions gathered by the co-ed working party.
One of the members of the working party has a daughter who is due to join the school this year, and she acted as an advisor and model for the new look.
A change across the uniform generally will see a full colour badge on the blazer pocket as opposed to the old black and white design.
Fletcher Sports has worked closely with the college in developing the uniform, and the shops have now started selling it in its Town and Bridge stores.
There have been changes too to the sports kit, which will see college leggings and shorts introduced for the first time. Mr James said the sports kit generally has been reviewed and the options streamlined, leading to a reduction in the number of items on the list while a change of manufacturer will see the cost to parents reduced.
While sixth formers will not wear the traditional uniform, Julie Dittmar – who takes over as head of the sixth form from Charlie Cottam in September – said that the girls will be encouraged to wear something smart. ‘I’m meeting with some of the new girls to give them a say,’ she said.
‘The over-riding theme is business and creating that first impression, so it’s a smart skirt, or maybe a dress or smart trousers.’
Mr James said the sixth form boys had developed their own look over the years. ‘They’ve always impressed as ambassadors across the school,’ he said.
