NI schools told to prepare for new school uniform guidelines focused on affordability and inclusion

The Department of Education has published new School Uniform Guidelines to help schools across Northern Ireland prepare for upcoming statutory requirements expected to take effect from the 2026/27 academic year.

The move follows the passage of the School Uniforms (Guidelines and Allowances) Bill, which cleared its Final Stage in the Northern Ireland Assembly on 13 October and will become law once it receives Royal Assent.

Education Minister Paul Givan confirmed that the guidelines have been distributed to schools to help ensure uniform policies meet the forthcoming legal standards.

“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,” said the Minister.

The 16 detailed guidelines cover key areas such as affordability, comfort, practicality, sustainability, safety, and seasonal suitability, as well as ensuring adjustments for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Schools will also be expected to consult with parents and pupils, review uniform policies regularly, and publish key information, including the rationale behind uniform choices, the cost of items, and where they can be purchased.

The guidance further emphasises minimising branded items and prioritising generic PE kit, with a focus on preventing uniform costs from penalising or excluding pupils from participation.

“These robust guidelines address all the necessary matters within the Bill and will ensure affordability becomes a key consideration for school uniforms policies,” Minister Givan added.

Here are the 16 official School Uniform Guidelines issued by the Department of Education (Northern Ireland), as set out in the document School Uniforms Guidelines (November 2025):

1. Affordability

School uniform policies must ensure uniforms are affordable for families on the lowest incomes and do not impose unfair costs.

Schools must avoid excessive or unreasonable expenses, provide affordable alternatives, and consider Free School Meals eligibility as a benchmark for affordability.

2. Equality and Inclusion

Uniform policies must comply with human rights and equality legislation, including making reasonable adjustments for pupils with disabilities or Special Educational Needs (SEN).

Schools should avoid indirect discrimination and ensure accessibility for all.

3. Comfort and Practicality

Uniforms must be comfortable, practical, easy to maintain and suitable for all seasons.

Schools should consider comfort, safety, and maintenance (e.g. washable fabrics) and ensure uniforms support learning and play.

4. Consultation

The manager of a school must consult with parents, pupils, and relevant stakeholders when devising or reviewing uniform policies.

Consultations should be accessible, inclusive, and documented.

5. Review Cycle

Uniform policies must be reviewed at least once every three years, or more frequently if excessive costs are identified.

Annual affordability checks are also required, and adjustments must allow for transition periods.

6. Branded Items

Schools must minimise branded items and provide justification for any that are included.

Generic alternatives should be prioritised, and branded outdoor coats should not be mandatory.

7. PE Kit

Schools must prioritise generic PE kit and minimise the use of branded or school-specific items.

Primary pupils must not be required to have branded PE kit; post-primary schools should limit branded sportswear and ensure generic alternatives are acceptable.

8. Rationale and Transparency

Uniform policies must explain the rationale behind each item — particularly unusual colours or branded items — and show that choices are affordable, accessible and represent value for money.

9. Uniform Loans

Schools should support the lending of uniform items to pupils, particularly for representative sports or events, to promote affordability.

10. Uniform Banks

Policies must support access to uniform banks or reuse schemes, allowing families to obtain quality pre-used uniform items and promoting sustainability.

11. Multiple Suppliers

Uniforms must generally be available from multiple suppliers to ensure affordability and accessibility.

If a school uses a single supplier, it must publish a Value for Money Declaration explaining why.

12. Publication Requirements

Schools must publish and keep up to date on their website:

• The uniform policy and cost of each item

• Supplier information

• Consultation outcomes

• Rationale for uniform design

• Review dates

• Details of uniform loans or banks

13. Transition Periods

Schools must allow reasonable transition periods when changing uniform requirements, ensuring families can use previously purchased items and suppliers can manage stock changes.

14. Access and Participation

Uniform costs must not deter pupils from applying to a school or participating in school activities.

No child should miss opportunities because of uniform affordability concerns.

15. Affordability-Related Penalties

Pupils must not be penalised for uniform issues resulting from affordability problems.

Schools should handle such cases sensitively and avoid disciplinary action that excludes pupils from learning or activities.

16. Reporting Requirements

Schools must provide uniform cost data and relevant information to the Department of Education when requested.

This data will support monitoring of uniform affordability and compliance across Northern Ireland.

The full guidelines have also been issued to the Education Committee and are available to view on the Department of Education’s website at www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/school-uniforms-guidelines.

Once the School Uniforms (Guidelines and Allowances) Bill gains Royal Assent, the Department will formally lay the statutory guidelines before the Assembly, and schools will be legally required to adhere to them.

According to the Department, the Bill will come into operation the day after Royal Assent, activating the new duties for both the Department and schools across Northern Ireland.