School Uniform Guidance

The updated draft guidance urges schools to take action before parents purchase school uniform next summer, noting that most sales take place in the weeks before the start of the academic year.

Action required includes:

• Reviewing uniform policies to determine if they should remove any compulsory branded items to adhere to the limit, or if any other changes are required. Noting that to sew badges onto generic items will be considered to be branded items and will be captured within the limit.
• Confirmation as soon as possible as to which pieces of uniform will be compulsory. Other optional items can be specified, but they should be kept to a minimum and with generic alternatives permitted.
• Revised policies need to be “easily understood” and published on school websites.
• Schools to examine existing supply arrangements, seeking legal advice where necessary.
• Discussion about any changes with suppliers to give them appropriate notice and resolve any contractual implications, noting that suppliers can be working up to a year in advance.
• Schools urged to consider how they can maintain the benefits of a branded item while also keeping costs low. Despite this, schools will not be prevented from adopting different branded uniform requirements for different key stages.
• Schools will need to inform families of any requirements for generic alternatives, such as colour, shade, fabric or fit, such as ensuring sports leggings are opaque, or any requirements for logos.
• Parents being made aware of where second-hand uniforms can be purchased and that this facility is available to all parents before the start of the new academic year.
• Current guidance also now tells schools to “ensure non-uniform days are accessible to all pupils”. They “should consider the impact on families on low incomes and their ability to fully take part” as this “can affect attendance”. Participation “should not be dependent on parents or pupils making a financial contribution” as well.