September Uniform Update
Much work was done over the summer analysing and reviewing the feedback we received last year through surveys, focus groups and email. After reviewing potential uniform suppliers, we chose to partner with Stevensons, who are now using the feedback to produce additional samples. We are looking forward to being able to share the new uniform designs with you in the coming months.
What has been decided?
- Reviewing the survey and focus group feedback gave us pause for thought and we realised that there are some important questions that need to be answered. There are several uniform items still under review, but what we can share with you today is what we know for sure is changing, and what we know is staying the same.
- We will continue to use the current red and navy tartan. It is the Erskine tartan, which is an important part of our heritage and one we are honoured to take forward.
After much consultation, it has been decided that the blazer will continue to be made of pure wool.
When will you have to buy new uniform items?
We are conscious of the cost implications of a complete uniform transition, so for the first couple of years, there will be a mix of old and new branded uniform items. You will not, therefore, be required to purchase all new uniform items for August 2026. We appreciate that this will mean a lack of uniformity throughout the school day, and on the sports pitches (except for the playing tops, which will remain consistent), but we feel this is an essential sacrifice to reduce the cost to parents.
Here is what we are able to share regarding the uniform phasing at this time. Any uniform items noticeably omitted are still under review and updates will follow.
| Date | Uniform Item |
| August 2026 | Current Uniform Remaining:
New Uniform Required:
*These are the only two items you will be required to buy new for August 2026. New Uniform Optional:
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| August 2027 | Full transition to the full Erskine Stewart Melville uniform for all students as per the ESM Uniform Policy, which will be updated and communicated in 2026 .
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While it was our intention to be able to reveal the new uniform to our School community in September, we want to get this right. As such, we have updated our timeline to allow us additional time to work with Stevensons on comfort, quality, style and cost.
Here is the updated timeline we are working to:
| Stakeholder Surveys | Completed in May 2025 |
| Stakeholder Focus Groups | Completed in June 2025 |
| Modify Uniform Designs Based on Stakeholder Feedback | Updated Deadline – October 2025 |
| Communicate Final Uniform Designs to parents | End of October 2025 |
| Uniform Production (for items required in August 2026) | January to March 2026 |
| Publication of new Erskine Stewart Melville Uniform Guide | May 2026 |
| Uniform items required for August 2026 available to purchase | May 2026 |
| Uniform items required for August 2027 available to purchase | To be confirmed |
What will happen to the retired uniform items as the new uniform is rolled out?
It is our goal to ensure that any uniform items that are no longer needed by the School are repurposed, recycled or disposed of responsibly. When we have a better understanding of the quantity of items requiring a new home, we will communicate our plans more broadly. For now, we are assembling a group of stakeholders across the School to develop a plan for the retired uniform items.