The Scottish government has released a summary of guidance for schools and education authorities on the design and implementation of school uniform and clothing policies. While this blog post is aimed at schools and educational institutions in Scotland based on the recent guidance from the Scottish government, some of the key points apply to schools throughout the UK.
Why is the school uniform guidance necessary?
We believe school uniforms should never be a barrier to education, and by providing guidance, it means uniforms can be fair, affordable and consistent across schools, benefiting families in many ways.
What are the three main areas Scottish schools need to consider?
The guidance recommends that schools consider and respond to three key areas when designing and implementing their uniform and clothing policy. These key areas are:
- affordability
- sustainability
- equality, diversity and inclusion
This is music to our ears at Uniformd. Providing better access to sustainable and affordable uniforms is one of the key reasons why we exist, and it helps those from disadvantaged backgrounds start school on an equal footing.
Below, we’ve explored each of these critical areas in more detail.
AFFORDABILITY
How can schools minimise costs for families when it comes to school uniforms?
A new survey from the Department for Education revealed that the average cost of a school uniform and PE kit in 2023 was £381.96.
The guidance for schools in Scotland aims to make uniforms affordable, reducing the financial burden on families. This is particularly important for low-income households.
Some of the key points from the affordability guidance include:
- Uniforms should include generic items or colours that can easily be bought from a range of suppliers, and branded items of uniforms and blazers should not be compulsory, nor promoted or encouraged by schools
- Schools should adopt policies that mean all items needed for the school year, plus a reasonable number of spares or replacements, can be bought within the amount provided by the School Clothing Grant, and schools must promote uptake of the School Clothing Grant among all eligible families.
- Avoid specifying the style of items unless there is a practical reason that supports safety, health, or well-being, and reduce the number of items required during the school day or week.
- Schools must consider low-cost options to differentiate between pupil groups where required.
- Schools should adopt a policy that only changes a few times and only following robust evaluation and consultation, and must promote pre-loved clothing as the preferred option.
This final bullet is key—promote pre-loved clothing as the preferred option. Not only do new uniforms need to be affordable, but pre-loved is a more sustainable option that’s better for the planet.
SUSTAINABILITY
How can Scottish schools make sure they are committing to environmentally sustainable approaches?
It is estimated that 1.4 million wearable school uniforms are thrown away yearly. That means that for every seven schoolchildren in the UK, one school uniform is going to waste every year.
Some of the key points from the sustainability guidance include:
- Reduce the number of items needed during the school day or week and avoid items that need frequent washing or are challenging to wash or dry. Schools should also take action to protect clothing and footwear to extend its life.
- Increase opportunities for items to be reused by including generic items and colours, gender-neutral items, no compulsory branded items or blazers and limited variation across year or pupil groups
- Promote the use of sustainable and ethical items and support opportunities for pupils to be involved in sustainable clothing initiatives.
- Promote and support arrangements for families to access pre-loved clothing
How can schools promote and support arrangements for families to access pre-loved clothing?
EQUALITY
Why is uniform essential to promote equality and remove barriers in Scottish schools?
Uniforms mean all students are equal regardless of socio-economic background or gender and help to remove preconceived ideas about clothing choices. It reduces the pressure on children to make choices based on trends, and when all students wear the same clothes, it minimises the opportunity for bullying based on fashion or the cost of clothing.
The guidance ensures that schools design uniform policies that don’t disproportionately affect certain groups, helping to reduce inequality.
What are the key principles of the equality, diversity and inclusion guidance?
- Uniform policies should prioritise the comfort and well-being of pupils and take a proportionate approach that avoids specifying the style of items unless there is a practical reason that supports safety, health, or well-being.
- School uniform policies must recognise and support pupil individuality and choice, including gender-neutral options and the right to choose what they wear.
- Schools should Identify and address barriers to participation and attendance, such as those arising from interrupted learning, additional support needs, health or disability, or socioeconomic issues.
- Schools must ensure compliance with legal obligations under the Equality Act 2010.
- Schools should also consider suitability for different weather and seasons and promote outdoor learning and active travel.
Do pupils in Scotland need to wear uniform? Is uniform a legal requirement in Scotland?
No, school uniforms are not a legal requirement in Scotland, but wearing a uniform is a positive thing for various reasons. School uniforms promote inclusivity, discipline, and professionalism while instilling a sense of pride and unity within the school community.
What is included under the title of “school uniform”?
- Schoolwear including shirts, trousers, shorts, t-shirts, blazers and ties
- PE
- Footwear
- sometimes bags, coats and hats
On Uniformd, we also accept other school items such as:
- Books and other educational resources
- Fancy-dress and costumes
- Bikes & cycling gear
- Sanitary products
How can Scottish schools promote pre-loved as the uniform option of choice?
Uniformd exists to give schools in Scotland (and the rest of the UK!) an easy-to-use service that enables them to sell pre-loved, donated, and second-hand uniforms, creating a more sustainable, fairer ecosystem for schools and parents alike.
Schools can sign up for free and list all their available second-hand uniforms. Parents can then browse and purchase the items at their convenience, picking them up from the school admin office (or wherever the second-hand uniforms are kept!) – and the funds go straight back to the schools.
Sign up today for a better way to buy pre-loved school wear.