School uniform: consultation analysis

Key themes from the consultation

The overarching themes from the consultation can be summarised as:

• Affordability and Cost
• Equalities and Inclusion
• Sustainability
• Scope
• Compliance

The prevalence of these themes varied among the five questions. Responses to each question focused on particular topics which were categorised into themes. In questions 1, 4 and 5 the themes of affordability and cost, equalities and inclusion and the scope of the guidance were most prominent. Responses to questions 1, 4 and 5 also featured compliance with uniform policy and issues around sustainability. In question 4, focus was also given to comments which related to financial support and how more flexible uniform policies might help reduce costs for families.

The themes of affordability, equalities and the scope of the guidance did feature in response to questions 2 and 3. However, as these questions were focussed on specific uniform items and how they relate to the culture and ethos of schools, these themes were less prominent here than in response to questions 1, 4 and 5.

Comments in response to question 2 focused on relationships and behaviour, the culture and ethos of schools and inclusion. Comments in response to question 3 focused on individual items of uniform and the use of school badges and school colours.