The Dragon Wardrobe continues to make an extraordinary contribution to the School community, finding imaginative ways to give pre-loved uniform a second flight while raising vital funds. As the School transitioned to its new uniform, the Wardrobe remained true to its ‘nothing to landfill’ pledge, finding creative and useful new homes for uniform that could no longer be sold.
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Items that cannot be used directly are repurposed or sent for fabric recycling, while some of our crested uniforms have even been cleverly ‘rebadged’ so that they can be worn again. Dragon rugby shirts have travelled as far as Romania, as well as finding a home closer to the Dragon with the Gosford All Blacks RFC SEND team. Coats have been rebranded and donated to a school near Witney, while tracksuit tops are awaiting their next home.
The Wardrobe also works with Apollos Clothing in Witney, helping preloved and outgrown clothes find their way to those who need them most. We’re delighted to have played a small part in their brilliant efforts, which recently reached the milestone of clothing its 1,000th person.
Members of our own community have also been busy finding imaginative ways to give old uniform a second flight. Colleagues have made some wonderful creation that are on display around the School. Parents have joined the upcycling effort too, creating beautiful cushions from old uniform that sold for £80 each at last year’s Dragon Sale.
Alongside its sustainability efforts, the Dragon Wardrobe continues to raise much needed funds for the Transformational Bursary Programme. Following a bumper 2024/25 year, when an incredible £33,000 was raised, the team expected 2025/26 to be quieter as the School transitioned to its new uniform. Despite having less stock available at times, the Wardrobe still raised just under £15,000 over the year.
From supporting charities and reducing waste to inspiring some wonderfully creative upcycling and raising thousands of pounds, the Dragon Wardrobe is proving there is plenty of life, and flight, left in our much-loved, pre-loved Dragon uniforms.
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What comes to mind when you think of the spirit of the Dragon?
Throughout 2027, to mark the 150th anniversary of the School, we will be hosting celebratory events, sharing archival treasures, and spotlighting Old Dragons who embody the spirit of the School.
Alongside these many moments of celebration, we are proud to be publishing a commemorative book marking 150 years of the Dragon through essays, photographs and reflections. Bridging generations, from Lady Antonia Fraser CH, DBE, FRSL (OD 1944) to the young Dragons of 2027, our contributors span a rich tapestry of Dragon voices including teachers, Heads and Dragons past and present.
The book is now available to buy, offering the first opportunity to secure this special commemorative edition.
A keepsake hardcover commemorative book marking 150 years of the Dragon.
Enjoy an instant £5 saving on every copy of the Standard Edition when you purchase two or more in the same order, using the link below. It’s the perfect moment to gift an extra copy to family and friends.
An exclusive, limited-edition volume, presented in a blue slipcase and finished with Skipper’s gold signature.
Click donate below to make a donation towards our #SpiritOfTheDragon Campaign alongside your purchase.
