The Education Minister, , has issued revised uniform
guidelines requiring all schools to offer girls the option to
wear trousers as part of their uniform, including for PE and
Games.
The guidelines are legally binding under the School Uniforms Act
which came into operation earlier this year. The Act is designed
to help reduce the cost of school uniforms and ensure that
affordability, comfort, practicality and sustainability are at
the centre of school uniform policies.
Speaking about the change, said: I have listened
carefully over recent months to young people and the message is
clear: girls want the choice to wear trousers as part of their
school uniform.
There is always a balance to be struck between the autonomy of
schools to determine their uniform policy and the level of
prescription in Departmental guidelines. However, this issue
really matters to many young people. After careful consideration,
I have, therefore acted to remove any uncertainty for pupils,
parents and schools.
The guidelines issued today stipulate that school uniform
policies for the 2027/28 school year onwards must include the
option for girls to wear trousers throughout the school year,
including for PE and Games.
The Minister concluded: The revised guidelines will guarantee
that girls have the option to wear trousers in every
school. My Department will continue to engage with and
support schools as they implement the new requirements.
The School Uniforms (Guidelines and Allowances) Act (Northern
Ireland) 2026 and the revised School Uniforms Guidelines can be
viewed on the DE website: www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/school-uniforms-guidelines
