School uniform and clothing: Guidance for schools and education authorities

Supporting and encouraging pupils to actively and safely participate in school life

There is no legal requirement for uniform to be worn by pupils at schools in Scotland. Schools should have a uniform or clothing policy in place where it meets the needs of their pupils. Schools are responsible for the delivery and implementation of their policy.

Schools should take a sensitive and pragmatic approach to implementing their uniform and clothing policy. This should be underpinned by an inclusive approach which takes account of the individual needs, circumstances and identity of pupils.

Care should be taken to avoid making assumptions about a pupil who is not wearing school uniform. There are a wide range of reasons that could impact on a pupil’s ability to observe a school’s unform or clothing policy. These could include family circumstances, including financial circumstances or living between more than one household; an additional support need, including pupils who may find wearing particular clothing uncomfortable, where the pupil is care experienced, a young carer or from an Armed Forces family; or where children and young people have a disability or medical condition.

Schools should consider whether there are underlying factors which are impacting a pupil or their attendance at school and where appropriate, take supportive, rather than punitive action to address these, in line with their broader legal duties.

Pupils should be supported and encouraged to observe a school’s uniform or clothing policy, but they should not face negative consequences if they are unable to do so. The response to non-wearing of uniform should be rooted in understanding, support and empowerment. It should be aligned to schools’ broader policies to support relationships and behaviour, promote attendance and reduce absence. Teachers and school staff should be supported to implement a whole school approach to promoting positive relationships and behaviour, aligned to the guiding principles of Included, Engaged and Involved (part 2).

Schools should not prevent any pupil from participating in an activity or subject due to their clothing or footwear, unless their participation would present a risk to the health, safety or wellbeing of pupils and staff. It is recognised that there may be activities that require particular clothing, footwear or other items to either be worn or not worn to ensure the health and safety of all pupils or staff. Where this is the case, schools should work with pupils, parents and carers, and teachers and school staff to ensure that this is effectively communicated, and appropriate support is provided to pupils to support their participation. This could include consideration of whether the clothing required can be provided by the school. In doing this, schools must ensure that they comply with their legal obligations under the 2010 Act and their broader education duties.

Pupils who are unable to observe a school’s uniform or clothing policy should never be excluded from school for this reason. This includes formal exclusions recorded through SEEMIS and internal exclusions, including isolation, or sending pupils home for a period of the school day.