School uniforms in Scotland

Closed 14 Oct 2022

Opened 19 May 2022

Contact

incluedu@gov.scot

Feedback updated 3 Jan 2024

We asked

We asked for views on school uniform policy, including what should be included within upcoming national guidance, the role that school uniform plays in day-to-day school life, how best to reduce the cost of school uniforms, and views on draft principles that could be incorporated into the national guidance. 

You said

There were 2,751 responses to the consultation.  2,670 responses were submitted by individuals and 81 responses were submitted by organisations.

A range of views were shared in response to the five questions that the consultation asked.  However, five key themes emerged.  These can be summarised as:

  • Affordability and Cost
  • Equalities and Inclusion
  • Sustainability
  • Scope
  • Compliance

We did

The responses to the consultation have been analysed and a consultation analysis report has been published.  

A working group has been established to support the development of national policy and supporting guidance on school uniform.  Evidence from the consultation will directly support the development of this, seeking to address issues that are important for children and young people, parents and carers, schools, local authorities and other stakeholders.  

Published responses

View submitted responses where consent has been given to publish the response.

Overview

Introduction

The Scottish Government has committed to introduce statutory guidance in Scotland which aims to address equalities issues around uniform policy and reduce the cost of school uniform, as this can be a significant barrier to  participation in learning.  This consultation seeks views on:

  • what should be included within the scope of the guidance
  • the role that school uniform plays within the ethos, culture and day to day school life
  • the considerations available to schools and education authorities in reducing school uniform costs
  • the draft principles which are intended to be incorporated as part of national school uniform policy

Read the consultation paper 


Who is this consultation for?

This consultation is open to anyone with an interest in school uniform policy, but especially pupils, parents and carers, education authorities and education authority schools, and those who provide school uniform items.

In addition, we have made arrangements to specifically seek the views of children and young people on school uniform policy.  These will be taken together with the findings of this consultation to inform future policy and guidance development.
 

Application of the policy guidance

It is intended that the guidance will directly apply to education authority schools, independent and grant-aided schools.  It is intended that schools and education authorities will continue to provide school and authority based policy for school uniforms.

What is not included within the scope of the guidance and this consultation

It is not intended that the school uniform items will be mandated at national levels.  Instead it is intended that the national guidance will inform local authorities and schools policies. 

It is not intended that there will be a national school uniform policy which is applied in all schools - therefore this is not the subject of this consultation and is not in scope.

It is not intended that school uniform in Scotland will be abolished.  Therefore that is not within the scope of the consultation.

Events

  • Launch of Consultation on School Uniform in Scotland

    From 19 May 2022 at 10:00 to 14 Oct 2022 at 23:59

    This is the time for the official launch of the consultation on school uniform in Scotland.

    Add to my Calendar (.ics)

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