School uniform and clothing: a summary of guidance for schools and education authorities

Key principles

A set of key principles have been developed and are noted below. These should inform and undepin school’s clothing and uniform policies.

School uniform and clothing policies should:

• be informed by the views of pupils, parents, carers, teachers and school staff
• minimise the cost of uniform and clothing for families
• consider and commit to fair and environmentally sustainable approaches
• support an inclusive, welcoming and equitable school culture
• promote equality, including recognising specific matters relating to the protective characteristics
• eliminate unnecessary barriers to participation and engagement of pupils in school education
• apply to all school clothing, including PE and senior phase
• recognise the need for practicality, including in relation to weather and seasonal needs
• recognise and build upon current good practice within schools
• support and encourage pupils to observe school uniform and clothing polices, while recognising their individual needs, circumstances and identity
• continue the position of no legal requirement upon pupils to wear school uniform

Involving pupils, parents and carers

Schools must ensure that the views of pupils are heard and create meaningful opportunitities to involve pupils in decisions about their uniform and clothing policies. Schools should make sure that their approach to this is inclusive of pupils with a range of lived experience and flexible to address barriers to participation. The Scottish Government has developed guidance to support the involvement of children and young people in decision making.

Alongside engagement with pupils, it is vital that schools engage with parents and carers when considering their uniform or clothing policy. Education Scotland has developed a resource to support communication with parents and carers which may be helpful.