School uniform and clothing: Guidance for schools and education authorities

Introduction

A positive school ethos and culture is essential to support pupils’ learning, health and wellbeing. The culture and ethos of a school is not created by its school uniform. However, in the context of an inclusive and welcoming school culture, a shared uniform can play a positive part in school life. It can support pupils to identify with their school’s culture, and feel accepted, respected and connected to their school. In such a culture, uniform may also help to support equity and inclusion, create routines for pupils to support their school attendance, reduce stigma and peer pressure and support anti-bullying approaches. It can help pupils to feel safe at school, supporting safeguarding measures and easier identification of strangers on school premises.^[1]

However, it must also be recognised that school uniform is a barrier to participation and engagement for some pupils. For example, some pupils, such as those with particular health conditions or who are neurodiverse, may find it challenging to wear certain types of clothing or materials. Other pupils, such as those from a particular faith group, may feel that uniform restricts their identity and individuality. Some families may face financial challenges in accessing uniform which can highlight social or economic differences between pupils, and could lead to increased stigma, peer pressure and bullying.^[2]

Schools are expected to take all appropriate steps to promote an inclusive and equitable environment for their pupils that recognises and responds to their individual needs and circumstances and promotes pupil’s rights, identity, voice and choice.

All schools should have an affordable and sustainable uniform or clothing policy which meets the needs of their pupils and wider school community and is centred on pupil comfort, happiness and freedom to learn and play. Their policy should build on current good practice and be developed and delivered in accordance with this guidance and in consultation with pupils, parents, carers, teachers, school staff, and other relevant individuals or groups^[3].