Meanwhile guidelines on school uniforms have been issued to schools
For many years parents have faced the pressures of buying school uniforms and gear often at inflated prices and with significant school branding attached, but this is changing soon as new legislation is to come into effect.
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, Paul Givan 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.
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.
