The Department of Education has issued Uniforms Guidelines to
schools ahead of statutory provisions, which are anticipated to
come into effect for the 2026/27 school year.
The guidelines follow the provisions of the School Uniforms
(Guidelines and Allowances) Bill, which passed Final Stage in the
Assembly on 13 October. They will become statutory when the Bill
gains Royal Assent.
Education Minister, said: “The School
Uniforms Guidelines have been issued to schools today to assist
them in making sure their uniform policies meet the necessary
requirements for the 2026/27 school year. My Department has
previously written to schools to help them prepare for the
introduction of the guidelines.
“There are 16 guidelines in total, which cover
affordability, comfort, practicality, sustainability, safety,
suitability for all seasons and making adjustments for pupils
with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
“The guidelines also set out how schools should consult
with parents and pupils in particular on their school uniform
policies, review these policies regularly and publish information
on matters such as the rationale for uniform choices, including
the cost of items and where they can be purchased.
“They also state that branded items must be minimised,
and generic PE kit must be prioritised. Additionally, they
ensure uniform requirements will not prevent pupil participation
or penalise pupils who are unable to afford items.
“These robust guidelines address all the necessary
matters within the Bill and will ensure affordability becomes a
key consideration for school uniforms policies.”
The guidelines have also been issued to the Education Committee
and placed on the DE website at: www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/school-uniforms-guidelines
Full statutory School Uniforms Guidelines will be laid before the
Assembly and published when the School Uniforms (Guidelines and
Allowances) Bill gains Royal Assent.
Notes to editors:
1. The Bill will come into operation on the day after it gains
Royal Assent, at which time the duties on the Department of
Education to issue the guidelines and lay them in the Assembly,
as well as the duty on schools to adhere to these guidelines will
go live.
