School's controversial 'Do It In A Dress' event raises $275k after Bernardi slam

An Adelaide Hills primary school has held its "wear a dress" fundraiser that recently plunged it into the centre of a political storm.

Both boys and girls from Craigburn Primary arrived at school this morning donning dresses, in an effort to raise money to educate girls in Africa.

The "Do it in a Dress" event was slammed by Australian Conservatives Senator Corey Bernardi who late last week Tweeted it was encouraging "gender morphing".

Australian actor and comedian Josh Thomas responded with a call for people to support the school's fundraiser.

Since then, donations have poured in from around Australia and the world.

“I'm just really proud with the tremendous support, not just within our community, but it seems Australia-wide and also internationally. It's just been fabulous,” Craigburn Primary Principal Paul Luke said.

The school initially set a target of just under $1000 but has now raised over $275,000 for the One Girl charity.

One Girl CEO, Morgan Koegel, said that was enough money to educate more than 900 girls.

"In the developing world, education changes everything," she said.

"It's not just about a girl being safe in school, it's about the ripple effects that has in her life. Her earning capacity, being literate."

Senator Bernardi has so far declined to comment today.