Northern Ireland education minister Paul Givan has warned schools that they must make school uniforms more affordable and that a price cap is being considered.
He does not favour getting rid of uniforms, but said that an “unnecessary burden” is being put on families by, for example, branded clothing or uniforms available from only one supplier.
Mr Givan said proposals due to go out for public consultation this spring will include strengthened guidance on school uniforms.
The DUP minister was responding to a motion in Stormont yesterday on making uniforms affordable.
He said: “School uniforms create a sense of belonging to a school community, supporting positive behaviour and high self-esteem.
“Uniforms should also act to ensure that pupils of all backgrounds feel welcome in school.”
Governing bodies are responsible for setting their own school uniform policy and the Northern Ireland Department of Education has provided guidance around this.
‘Unnecessary burden’ on families
Mr Givan said: “The current guidance makes it clear that in setting their uniform requirements, schools should ensure they represent value for money.
“The increasing cost of school uniforms, particularly with the use of branded items or uniforms only being available from a single supplier, places an unnecessary burden on parents and children, particularly those from a low-income household.”
He added: “Many schools have followed this guidance and I welcome that. However, it also has to be said that there are other schools which have not.
“That is not a situation which I am going to permit to continue.”
He said that the imminent consultation on school uniforms would help bring about “a level playing field” for all families.
Mr Givan addressed the Northern Ireland Assembly during a debate on school uniform costs.
A Sinn Fein motion proposed the introduction of statutory guidance compelling schools to ensure that uniform costs are affordable, while an Alliance Party amendment called for a price cap.
Mr Givan said he was open to both proposals.
NI could lead the way
On a price cap, Mr Givan said: “There is no price cap in place anywhere in these islands - that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do it. I believe it is something that we should be looking at.”
He added: “The current guidance makes it clear that, in setting their uniform requirements, schools should ensure they represent value for money and it recommends that schools enable uniform costs to be as low as possible through minimising branded items and ensuring items are available from a number of retailers.
Expensive blazers
Mr Givan said a pre-consultation exercise conducted by officials had highlighted a “wide variation” in uniform policies between different schools.
He cited the example of a girl’s blazer at post-primary school level costing £50 at one school but more than £120 at another.
“The costs associated with uniforms should never be a barrier to what school you go to,” Mr Givan said. “And sadly, for some parents, it is a consideration that they’re having to take into account.”
‘Totally unnecessary’ uniform items
Sinn Fein MLA Pat Sheehan, who proposed his party’s motion, said some schools have items on their required uniform lists that are “totally unnecessary”.
“Some boards of governors direct parents to use a single supplier of uniforms, which means parents don’t have the opportunity of competitive pricing, leaving no choice of purchasing cheaper alternatives on the high street,” Mr Sheehan said.
“Moreover, some schools, particularly but not exclusively in the grammar sector, insist on branded PE clothing. And this not only adds additional expense but also acts as a barrier to some young people attending particular schools.”
Uniform guidance ignored
Alliance MLA Nick Mathison, tabling the amendment, said a price cap would be a “meaningful step” to drive down costs.
“We don’t believe that words and aspirations are going to be enough any longer because, regrettably, boards of governors have not complied with the guidance in many instances,” he said.
“And the learning from England unfortunately suggests that the statutory guidance that was introduced [there] has not been complied with either, and that students are facing the same costs and families are facing the same pressures.”
Sinn Fein’s motion and the Alliance amendment, both of which were non-binding, were both passed with no dissenting voices.
