The only thing Caitlin Gare doesn't like about her school uniform is the number of stockings she goes through during the winter terms.
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The year-10 student at Gold Creek School is otherwise proud to wear her school colours, saying having a uniform has brought the students closer together since it was introduced in 2013.
"I think it makes us look pretty smart, and makes us feel like more of a community," the 15-year-old said.
From 2019, all ACT public high schools will introduce a formal uniform and public colleges will implement a dress standard, after the ACT Education Directorate released its revised uniform policy Dress Standards and Uniforms in Canberra Public Schools on Thursday.
All Canberra public primary schools already have a uniform. It is expected from 2018 all year-7 and 8 students will be in a uniform and all high school years by 2019.
Minister for Education Shane Rattenbury said a 2014 survey found that 80 per cent of Canberra parents were in favour of seeing school uniforms in high schools.
"School uniforms can create a stronger sense of school identity, belonging and pride amongst students and can also help with school security, as students are more easily identifiable," Mr Rattenbury said.
"Uniforms can also help to keep general clothing costs down for parents and reduce pressure on students to wear particular clothing styles or brands."
Mr Rattenbury said schools would involve students, families and teachers in the design of the uniform to make sure it reflected their school environment and community and needs of the students.
"We know each school has a unique identity and culture and their school uniform should reflect that. While this is a general policy for all schools, it is designed to allow a high level of engagement with the school community," Mr Rattenbury said.
Associate Principal of Gold Creek School Priscilla Wray said the school community was actively involved in the transition period at the school.
"Part of the process was to collaborate with students during the consultation period and with the P&C and wider community to get everyone involved," Ms Wray said.
"Teenagers like to be individuals but they like to fit in, too, and the uniform works hand in hand with school culture, and the idea that it's not about taking away their sense of identity but more about promoting a sense of belonging."
According to the revised policy, uniforms would be required to cater for all students.
"Uniforms will be designed to ensure that they are suitable for all students regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, religion, age, body shape, family income and suitable for students with a disability," Mr Rattenbury said.
"Uniforms will not be a barrier for any students, and the policy provides that schools will consider the best way to provide all families access to affordable and appropriate uniforms."
