School uniform and clothing: Guidance for schools and education authorities

Purpose

Responsibility for school clothing and uniform policy usually sits with individual schools. The purpose of this guidance is to support headteachers, school leaders and education authorities to work collaboratively with pupils, parents and carers, and teachers and school staff to design, review and implement affordable and sustainable uniform and clothing policies which recognise the individual needs, circumstances and identities of all pupils. The guidance is not exhaustive. It is intended to help schools to make local decisions about their uniform and clothing policies within the context of relevant policy and legislation and taking account of the circumstances in their own individual settings.

The guidance sets out the key principles which should underpin uniform and clothing policies and provides further information on specific issues that schools are expected to consider in the development, review and implementation of these policies. The guidance signposts to other relevant sources, legislation, guidance and resources throughout. It provides guidance to schools on sharing information about their policies with families and responding to any concerns that may arise. It also provides guidance on how schools can support and encourage pupils to observe their uniform or clothing policy. Schools should ensure that all staff are aware of this guidance and support them to implement its key principles.

Development of the guidance has been supported by the School Uniform Working Group and is informed by consultation and engagement.