Statutory school uniform guidance for Scotland will be published before the start of the 2024-25 academic year.
Now, analysis of responses to a consultation on school uniform gives a flavour of what that guidance might contain.
What the public thinks of school uniforms
Here are five key themes from two separate reports on the school uniform consultation, which ran from May to October 2022:
1. Affordability is crucial
Responses often focused on cost. Allowing families to buy uniform from high-street shops was a common suggestion, as was adopting uniform in easier-to-find colours, such as navy blue or black. Other suggestions included logo-free uniform items - or “DIY badges” that could be sewn or ironed on - and banning designer labels.
2. Children want more comfortable school uniforms
The main report is based on 2,751 responses, but a supplementary report by the Children’s Parliament reflects discussions with over 100 primary pupils.
A common theme in this second report is children “wanting to be free to move and play as well as be comfortable to enable them to enjoy learning”.
The report states: “Regardless of age, the children all spoke about the lack of comfort in their present uniform. They felt that their uniform was restrictive, especially during and after periods of activity, and that it could limit their ability to learn.”
Older children felt that “having to wear a uniform limited their opportunities to express their identities”, but some younger pupils “appreciated the value of wearing a uniform to feel part of a community”.
3. Additional support needs
Looking at school uniforms in terms of equalities, inclusion and additional support needs (ASN), many comments indicated that school uniform helps to reduce bullying and stigma.
However, some pupils with ASN “may find school uniform uncomfortable”, with the needs of those with sensory or skin conditions highlighted: these pupils are “more likely to find some traditional uniform items, such as shirts and ties, uncomfortable”.
4. School ethos and culture
There was a range of views about school uniforms’ impact on culture and ethos, with many saying that a uniform creates “a feeling of identity with the school”. However, the number of comments indicating that it was important was matched by those saying it was not, and that there were other ways pupils could feel a strong attachment to their school.
5. Are ties and blazers on their way out?
The consultation responses showed “a balance in views between formal and informal items of uniform”. Ties were referenced most, with responses suggesting that they should not be worn in schools, or only in secondaries. Antipathy towards ties largely centred around discomfort.
Some replies indicated that blazers should not be part of uniform, largely because they are seen as expensive and unsuitable for the Scottish climate.
Other responses indicated support for less formal clothing, such as jumpers, sweatshirts, polo shirts, hoodies, T-shirts, jogging bottoms and leggings.
Many responses indicated general support for “draft principles” behind the proposed statutory guidance on school uniform, which include that it should:
• Be informed by pupils’ views.
• Apply to local authority, grant-aided and independent schools.
• Seek to reduce families’ costs.
• Promote equality around religion and beliefs, disability, sex and gender.
• Apply to all uniform uses, including PE and the “senior phase”.
• Recognise the need for practicality, such as in colder times of year.
• Promote sustainable approaches.
• Continue the position of there being no legal requirement to wear school uniform.
• Considers appropriate responses for persistent non-wearing of uniform, while recognising the importance of ”promoting attendance and reducing absence”.
The Scottish government has stressed that school uniform items will not be mandated nationally and that uniform will not be abolished.
Education secretary Jenny Gilruth said that “more must be done to ensure that school uniforms are more affordable”, especially given families’ “financial hardship due to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis”.
