School Uniforms

The governing body of each school decides on the uniform policy or dress code, and it is the headteacher's responsibility to make sure pupils keep to the rules. If you have any complaints about the uniform policy or dress code, talk to the school governing body.

When deciding on a uniform policy, all schools are expected to consider cost. No school uniform should be so expensive as to leave pupils or their families feeling excluded.

The cost of a uniform should not stop parents from sending their child to the school of their choice. Governing bodies should consult parents for their views and concerns before changing or deciding on a new uniform policy.

In England some local authorities provide discretionary grants to help with buying school uniforms. Local authorities that offer these grants set their own criteria for eligibility. 

Schools can help limit the expense of uniforms by choosing a colour scheme rather than a full uniform or by ensuring that the uniform chosen is widely available in high street shops rather than a sole supplier.

If your child breaks the rules when it comes to school uniform, they could be punished by the headteacher. More serious punishments like suspension or expulsion from the school are only considered acceptable if the pupil’s behaviour has been generally defiant in other areas as well.

Schools should be considerate if a pupil does not keep to the uniform policy, and try to find out why it is happening. If a family is having financial difficulties, the school should allow for this and give the parents time to buy the right items.

Pupils should not be made to feel uncomfortable, nor discriminated against, because their parents cannot provide them with the right school uniform.