16 new uniform rules have been announced for Northern Ireland schools
The latest uniform guidelines have been issued to schools by the Department of Education ahead of statutory provisions — with the changes set to come into effect for the 2026/2027 school year.
The guidelines follow the provisions of the School Uniforms (Guidelines and Allowances) Bill, which passed Final Stage in the Assembly on October 13. 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 16 uniform guidelines:
1. School uniform policies must ensure uniforms are affordable for families on the lowest incomes and do not impose unfair costs.
2. School uniform policies must comply with relevant human rights and equality legislation, including appropriate adjustments being made for pupils with disabilities or special educational needs.
3. School uniform policies must ensure that uniforms are comfortable, practical, easy to maintain and suitable for all seasons.
4. The manager of a school must consult parents, pupils and any other group they consider relevant when devising or reviewing their school uniform policies.
5. The manager of a school must review their school uniform policies at least once every three years or more frequently if excessive costs apply.
6. School uniform policies must minimise the number of branded items, provide reasons for their inclusion and explore cheaper alternatives.
7. School uniform policies must prioritise generic PE kit items and minimise the use of branded or school-specific PE kit.
8. School uniform policies must explain the reasons behind each uniform item, especially unusual colours and branded items, and show how these choices are affordable, accessible and reflect value for money for parents.
9. School uniform policies should support the lending of uniform items to pupils.
10. School uniform policies must support access to uniform banks for reused items.
11. Uniforms must generally be available from multiple suppliers to ensure accessibility and affordability for families. As a minimum requirement, at least one supplier must be independent meaning they do not have any formal, contractual, or informal agreement with the school to sell uniforms. An exception to this requirement may only be made if the school manager publishes a value for money declaration.
12. The manager of a school must publish and keep-up-to date the information on their website so that the public are informed.
13. The manager of a school must permit reasonable transition periods when changing uniform requirements.
14. Uniform costs must not reasonably deter pupils from applying or participating in school activities.
15. Pupils must not be penalised for uniform issues caused by affordability.
16. The manager of a school must provide uniform cost data and other relevant information to the Department when requested.
Full information on the guidelines can be read here.
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