Free sanitary products for students

Pupils and students will continue to receive free sanitary products in schools, colleges and universities through increased investment of up to £5.5 million.

Last year Scotland become the first country in the world to provide access to free sanitary products for school pupils, and college and university students.

Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell and COSLA President Councillor Alison Evison, visited Stirling High School and met students who are benefitting from free products and campaigning to reduce period stigma.

Ms Campbell said:

“After a successful launch last year, we have delivered world leading action by providing free sanitary products in schools, colleges and universities.

“Being able to access free sanitary products is fundamental to equality and human dignity. I’ve heard first hand from pupils about the positive impact of having products easily available at school. It takes away the worry of being caught short or missing a day of school if they don’t have products available at home.

“I commend the work of the students who have been working hard to reduce the stigma of periods as it’s really important that no one gets embarrassed about periods and parents and children, boys and girls can all openly talk about them.”

COSLA President Councillor Evison said:

“COSLA and our member councils have led the way in providing access to free sanitary products in schools, ensuring fairness for learners and enabling them to fully participate in education. This visit has allowed me to see the provision and the facilities first hand and to congratulate staff and pupils for making this initiative a reality for local young people.”

Amy McDiarmid, a fourth year pupil at Stirling High School, said:

“The initiative has worked really well at our school because of pupil involvement and this has helped reduce the stigma around periods. I got involved with the issue because I thought it was important.”

Background

Local authorities will receive £2 million for the next financial year, while universities and colleges will receive up to £3.5 million to continue the provision of free sanitary products.

In August 2018, The Scottish Government was the first government in the world to make free sanitary products available to all pupils and students.  

We took further action in January 2019 providing funding to local authorities to make sanitary products available in more places and buildings for those who need them the most.