The Scottish Government has published guidance on school uniforms. The publication comes after wide consultation with schools, families, uniform suppliers, pupils and local authorities. Many parents and carers struggle with the costs of schools uniforms. There is no legal requirement to wear school uniform in Scotland. The new guidance does not mandate the wearing of school uniform at national level.

A University of Aberdeen lecturer who has led influential studies looking at the regulation and cost of school uniforms in Scotland has welcomed the publication of national guidance on school uniform.

Dr Rachel Shanks, Senior Lecturer in the School of Education and Director of Social Inclusion and Cultural Diversity conducted research which found that almost 20% of publicly funded secondary schools in Scotland specify an exclusive supplier for school uniform.

Her 2020 landmark study also found that 343 secondary schools (more than 96%) had a compulsory uniform; of those, 320 had uniforms which included a school tie, 235 included a blazer, and 200 schools banned the wearing of jeans.

Following a national consultation in 2022, this guidance sets out how schools can help families by reducing uniform and PE kit costs and make all school clothing more affordable. It also explains what should be done to ensure equality, diversity and inclusion for pupils and how to make uniforms more sustainable, for example with the reuse of pre-loved uniform.

Click on this link to access the guidance: School uniform and clothing: Guidance for schools and education authorities

Commenting in response to the guidance, Dr Shanks said:

“This guidance highlights what headteachers and education authorities should consider when designing and reviewing school uniform policies, in particular how to make school clothing more affordable. It clearly states that pupils’ views should be taken into consideration alongside the views of parents/carers, teachers and other school staff.

“This is the first guidance on school uniform in Scotland and provides clarity about what can and also what should not be expected in terms of what pupils should be asked to wear at school.

“This guidance gives schools, parents/ carers and pupils greater clarity on what can be expected in terms of school uniform and PE kit, ways that it can be made more affordable, for example with pre-loved items being available and also how to ensure that pupils’ rights are respected.

“This guidance is a positive step forward in terms of recognising children’s rights following incorporation of the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child.”

The Guidance highlights key principles to consider:

School uniform and clothing policies should:

• be informed by the views of pupils
• be informed by the views of parents, carers, teachers and school staff
• minimise the cost of school 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 religion and belief, race, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment and pregnancy and maternity
• 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

It also takes into account other considerations such as our weather and the needs for flexibility and affordability.

Schools should avoid specifying particular styles or colours of coats or jackets and discourage the use of expensive designer items and football colours.

Non- uniform or dress down days which have become increasingly popular with schools are also referred to as in many cases these may present parents and carers with additional costs when their children are expected to participate in them. These include days when pupils are expected to come in fancy dress or some other kind of attire that would cause embarrassment to those who cannot afford to do so.

 Schools should consider limiting the number of events and explore opportunities to celebrate them in a different way.

In Orkney there has been work done to limit the cost to senior pupils with pre -loved Prom attire.  The Prom Pop Up appeal asks for donations from members of the public of formal wear: dresses, suits, shirts, waistcoats, ties, jumpsuits, jackets and shoes. In 2023 100 outfits were donated and 36 young people benefitted from the pre-loved clothes.  Fittings took place in 2024 in the islands’ secondary schools making them more accessible. Many schools also have similar events for school uniforms.

Fiona Grahame