
A school will need to consider the impact of their policy on pupils who share a protected characteristic. When making decisions about their uniform policy, a school must have regard to its obligations under the Human Rights Act 1998 and the Equality Act 2010. Human rights, equality and discrimination considerations We have issued statutory guidance on the cost of school uniforms, which relevant schools must have regard to when developing and implementing their uniform policy. Schools should give high priority to cost considerations. No school uniform should be so expensive as to leave pupils or their families feeling unable to apply to, or attend, a school of their choice, due to the cost of the uniform. Where a school’s uniform is too expensive it can place an unreasonable burden on families. Reviewing a policy does not necessarily have to result in changes being made. We would also recommend that schools review their policy at appropriate intervals to ensure that it is still fit for purpose. Schools may want to consider the environmental impact of their uniform and should consider how any branded items if they choose to have them, are sourced. For instance, manufacturing items of clothing can have a significant impact on the environment. Outside of their responsibilities to comply with all relevant legislation, governing boards will also want to consider other relevant factors. consider carefully the risk of a challenge to the policy and consider the appropriate insurance cover.


We have published statutory guidance on the cost of school uniforms which the governing board must have regard to when developing and implementing their uniform policy. setting an appropriate tone for education.providing a sense of belonging and identity.We strongly encourage schools to have a uniform as it can play a key role in: These duties are placed upon all governing boards by statute to ensure that school policies promote good behaviour and discipline amongst the pupil body. whether there should be a school uniform policy and if so, what that should be.It is for the governing board of a school to decide: Throughout this guidance, ‘parents’ should be taken to include all those with parental responsibility, including guardians and carers.

local authority for pupil referral units.governing body of a maintained school or non-maintained special school.The term ‘governing board’ in this guidance includes the: We would, however, expect governing boards to consider this guidance, to ensure that they comply with their obligations under the Human Rights Act 1998 and the Equality Act 2010. Some schools, or year groups within schools, may not have a uniform policy or dress code, in which case some aspects of this guidance may not be relevant. It should be read alongside the statutory guidance on the cost of school uniforms. This non-statutory guidance will help support schools in developing and implementing their school uniform policy.
