The Department for Education (DfE) publishes guidance that schools in England are expected to follow. Here are the key points from its latest guidance (updated 2025–2026):
Schools decide their own uniform
- It’s up to each school’s governing body to decide:
- whether to have a uniform
- what it includes
- how it is supplied
- Schools are encouraged to consult parents and pupils when setting or changing policies
Uniforms are encouraged (but not legally required everywhere)
The DfE strongly encourages schools to have a uniform because it can:
- promote discipline and good behaviour
- create a sense of identity and community
Cost must be kept reasonable (this is statutory guidance)
Under the Education (Guidance about Costs of School Uniforms) Act 2021:
- Schools must keep costs low and provide value for money
- Uniform should not be so expensive that families can’t attend a school
- Schools should:
- minimise branded items
- allow cheaper, widely available alternatives
- consider second-hand options
📉 New policy direction:
- A limit on compulsory branded items (around 3–4 items) is expected from 2026
Equality and human rights must be respected
Schools must ensure uniform policies comply with:
- the Equality Act 2010
- the Human Rights Act 1998
That means:
- no unlawful discrimination (e.g. religion, gender, disability)
- consideration of needs like medical conditions or gender identity
Practical expectations for schools
The DfE recommends schools:
- engage with parents/pupils when designing uniform
- consider health, safety, and safeguarding
- avoid restrictive or overly expensive requirements
The DfE’s position can be summed up like this:
- Schools choose their uniform
- Uniforms are encouraged for community and discipline
- Costs must be kept low and fair (this is legally backed guidance)
- Policies must be inclusive and non-discriminatory