Private School In Ballarat Bans Mullets

Resurgent hairstyle the 'mullet' has been labelled 'extreme' by a Victorian private school, with students warned they may be asked to go home and 'adjust it accordingly' if they rock up to school sporting the hairdo.

St Patrick's College in Ballarat lumped mullets in with rat tails, mohawks, 'obvious patterning', moptops, dreadlocks and cornrows, saying they 'are not acceptable'.

The 2022 Uniform Policy also warned students there could be consequences if they do not comply with the rules.

"If a haircut and/or colouring does not meet College's expectations, then students will be asked to adjust it accordingly," the policy says.

"In extreme cases, students will be asked t go home until the hair/style has been changed to the requirements of the College.

"Prior to re-entry the student must meet with the Deputy Principal or Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care & Wellbeing to ensure the issue has been resolved."

If things get really dire, the school warned hats could become involved in its four-step resolution process.

Once a student violates the hairstyle policy, a letter will be sent home, with student and parents or guardians given 'no more than a week' to rectify the problem.

If it's not rectified, students will be sent home until it is.

In the event that a student has 'extremely short hair', that's when the hats are called in.

The College hat will be forcibly worn 'until hair regrows'.

"In the case of extreme hairstyles, the College may deem it appropriate to send the student home until such time the student's hair complies with expectations," the policy warns.

The Catholic boys' school said the way students present themselves determines how people perceive the school.

Plus, it said the rules promote cohesion between different groups in the school, which helps to break down discrimination based on financial, religious or cultural background.

"A uniform worn well also encourages students to take pride in their appearance, it eliminates competition in what students wear, and it is the most economical way to outfit students for their schooling," the policy claims.

The College also said rules, guidelines and expectations 'are necessary for [student] growth'.