Education Minister Paul Givan concedes that girls have choice of wearing trousers at school
• Givan issues new legal guidelines guaranteeing girls the option to wear trousers to school
The Education Minister, Paul Givan, 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, Paul Givan 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
Burrows welcomes change of heart trouser decision from Education Minister
• Minister’s change of heart delivers common sense choice for girls, says Burrows
Ulster Unionist Party Leader and Education Spokesperson Jon Burrows MLA has welcomed new guidance guaranteeing girls the choice to wear trousers as part of their school uniform.
Jon Burrows said: “This is a common-sense outcome. Girls have that choice in the workplace, and it is only right that they have it at school.
“The Minister could and should have resolved this through school uniform guidance during the last Assembly session. Instead, he resisted and forced the Education Committee to legislate. His change of heart is welcome, even if overdue.
“I worked pragmatically to keep the legislation focused on the practical issue at hand, giving girls the choice to wear trousers, rather than introducing references to gender-neutral clothing.
“I listened to girls and supported change from the outset in the interests of choice, comfort and practicality.
“This is a positive outcome for girls, parents and schools.”
