Response: Review of School Uniform Policy

Responding as a: Representative of other organisation

If you are responding as a representative of an organisation, please provide the name of the organisation: Parenting Focus

Can you please provide the first part of your postcode (BT….)? If you are responding on behalf of a school or organisation, then please provide the postcode of that school/organisation: Postcode BT7

Statutory Guidance

#1 Do you agree that schools should be legally required to comply with Departmental uniform guidance? Yes

Statutory Guidance: As part of Parenting Focus' engagement with parents on the topic of school uniforms, we recently conducted a survey to gather their thoughts on the Department of Education’s proposed school uniform policy. This consultation is a critical opportunity to ensure that school uniform policies meet the diverse needs of parents and students across Northern Ireland. Our survey garnered significant responses (594), reflecting a wide range of parental perspectives on affordability, comfort, and inclusivity. In addition to the survey responses, Parenting Focus also engaged with 12 parents through a focus group to gather more in-depth opinions and insights on school uniform policies, which have been incorporated into our response. Parents have mixed views on whether schools should be required to comply with Departmental guidance with 68% of parents responding with yes.

Some parents feel that without a legal requirement, the guidance may be ignored, rendering it ineffective. One parent said, “If there's no legal requirement it's pointless.”

Others expressed conditional support, depending on the content and practicality of the guidance. For example, one parent commented, “Maybe but it would depend what it is and how sensible it is.”

In the survey, some parents expressed concerns that there would be over regulation of uniform policy. These parents are concerned that legal requirements could lead to overly strict rules, limiting flexibility. One parent commenting “Not if it makes rules more strict though.”

Any legal requirement for compliance should be balanced with flexible guidance that considers the individual needs of students and schools. Strict enforcement should not result in increased financial or practical burdens for families.

Some parents highlighted concerns about how uniform policies can affect children with sensory sensitivities. For instance, one parent shared, “My child has sensory problems, and the feeling of some uniform items causes difficulty.” Parenting Focus would advocate that schools should offer accommodations for students with sensory needs, such as allowing alternative fabrics or uniform modifications.

Numerous parents have called for a consistent approach to uniform policy. Many parents believe that a consistent uniform policy across all school settings would help address disparities. One parent commented, “A consistent approach is needed across all school settings.”

Parenting Focus agrees that whilst it is important to allow schools some flexibility, the Department should encourage greater consistency in school uniform policies, particularly in areas such as affordability, gender neutrality, and the use of generic rather than branded items.

Parenting Focus calls for policies that reduces financial burdens on parents, such as limits on expensive branded items and guidelines for affordable uniform alternatives. Several respondents emphasised the need to standardise costs across schools to prevent parents from being forced to purchase expensive, branded uniform items. Several parents commented, “To standardise cost and requirements.” This reflects the financial pressure many families feel when purchasing uniforms each year. Parenting Focus would recommend that the Department provide clear guidance to schools to reduce the financial burden on parents, such as limiting the number of branded items required and offering affordable alternatives. Schools should also be encouraged to promote second-hand uniform sales and implement uniform exchange programs.

Strengthened Guidance

#2: Do you agree with these principles? Yes

#3 Should any others be included? If yes, please state any additional principles. Strengthen Guidance: Based on the feedback from parents, it is clear that the key principles proposed by the Department align with parental priorities with 88% of parents indicating that they agree, but there are areas that could be strengthened. By making uniforms more affordable, comfortable, and ethically produced, while ensuring flexibility for all students, the Department’s guidance can better meet the needs of Northern Ireland’s diverse student population.

Parenting Focus calls for a clear, standardised definition of what constitutes a school uniform. Parents have highlighted the need for schools and the Department of Education to provide specific guidelines on what items are required, optional, and where flexibility is permitted. Without such clarity, parents are often left unsure of the expectations and are subjected to variable costs depending on the school’s interpretation of uniform requirements. Survey responses are reflected in the following suggestions - Standardised Uniform Packs, one parent suggested that “School uniform packs should come as standard from the schools,” highlighting a desire for consistency and affordability across all schools.

Seasonal and Weather-Appropriate Clothing - Parents also expressed the need for “seasonal wear” options, such as flexible uniform items for summer and winter, ensuring that children are comfortable. Cheaper, Generic Clothing: Several parents emphasised the importance of having “non-branded PE kits” and “cheaper, standardised clothing” options. For example, one parent proposed a simple “tracksuit with school badge” as an alternative to expensive, branded items.

A clear definition of uniform should include:

• A list of essential uniform items (e.g., shirts, trousers, skirts, etc.) with room for flexibility in material and design.
• Options for generic, non-branded clothing to be permitted, reducing financial strain on families.
• Seasonal variations, ensuring uniforms are appropriate for both warm and cold weather conditions.
• Provisions for Children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Sensory Issues

Multiple parents voiced concerns regarding the lack of adjustments in uniform policies for children with additional needs. Some parents indicated the need for “adjustments for sensory processing issues” and “provisions for SEN children with sensory issues.” These issues are particularly important in ensuring that all children, regardless of their individual needs, feel comfortable and included.

In addition to concerns about uniforms themselves, parents raised issues related to the school’s guidelines on personal appearance, including make-up, piercings, and other accessories. For example, one parent mentioned concerns over “excessive make-up, fake tan, and piercings.”

Affordability

#4 Do you agree that it should be compulsory for schools to demonstrate how they have taken costs into account when designing their uniform? Yes

#5 Do you agree that it should be compulsory for schools to publish details of the costs of their uniform? Yes

Designing a uniform

#6 Do you agree with our proposals that schools must review their uniform policy and explain their decision to use any unusual colours or designs? Yes

#7 Do you agree that where a crest is considered necessary on a blazer or jumper that an option to purchase the crest alone should be available? Yes

#8 Do you agree that this crest should be reusable? Yes

PE Kit

#9 Do you agree that branded sports kits should not be compulsory elements of a school PE kit? Yes

#10 Do you agree that parents should only have to purchase specific branded or school sports kits when their child is chosen to represent the school, either as part of a team or individually? Don't Know / Unsure

#11 Do you agree that schools should aim to have team kits available for loan for those representing the school? Yes

Single Supplier Arrangements

#12 Do you agree that all schools should be required to list more than one supplier of their compulsory uniform items? Yes

#13 Do you agree that any financial or in-kind benefits to schools from arrangements with suppliers or manufacturers should be published? Yes

Cost Control (Price Cap)

#14 Do you consider that a method of cost control should be introduced, for example, a cost cap? Yes

Cost Control: Parenting Focus supports the introduction of a method to control the cost of school uniforms, as affordability is a significant concern for parents with 97% supporting a cost cap. However, feedback from parents suggests that any cost control mechanism, such as a cost cap, must be carefully designed to be both fair and practical.

Some parents expressed concerns about the feasibility of implementing a cost cap, particularly in how it would work in practice: One parent pointed out, “There is no way of completing this ask in theory. Would the cap be annual or per uniform? Who would reimburse costs if you pay over the cost cap amount? Would a cost cap include costs for alterations?”

Parenting Focus would suggest that any cost control measure must include clear guidelines for implementation. This includes whether the cap would apply annually or per uniform set, who would be responsible for ensuring compliance, and whether the cap would account for necessary alterations, which can often add to the total expense.

The feedback from parents of primary school children shows varying opinions on the appropriate cost cap for uniforms, with suggestions ranging between £20 and £100. However, £50 was the most frequently cited figure as a reasonable maximum cost for branded or school-specific items. This aligns with parents' concerns about keeping costs manageable while ensuring children have durable and appropriate clothing. Given that primary school children often outgrow uniforms quickly and parents typically purchase multiple sets to avoid frequent washing, a £50 cap seems a reasonable compromise between affordability and practicality. Parents highlighted the need for a balance between cost and quality, particularly for branded items, while expressing a preference for purchasing generic items like shirts, trousers, and skirts from affordable retailers such as supermarkets.

The feedback from parents of secondary school children highlights that the cost of uniforms is a greater concern at this level, with suggested price caps ranging from £70 to £200. However, many parents believe that a £120 cap would be a reasonable and practical limit for the more expensive items that secondary school students often require. Given the additional costs typically associated with secondary school uniforms, such as blazers, specialised PE kits, and other branded items, parents are often faced with higher outlays compared to primary school. However, parents generally agree that £120 is a fair upper limit for branded items, while they prefer to purchase basic uniform pieces, like shirts, skirts, and trousers, from more affordable outlets, such as supermarkets.

A cost cap of £120 should be established for essential branded items such as blazers, school-specific PE kits, and other uniform pieces that cannot be substituted with generic alternatives. Schools should ensure any uniform requirements beyond this cap are justified, demonstrating alignment with the key principles of affordability, sustainability, and comfort. This recommendation reflects parents’ concerns about balancing quality with affordability, particularly as secondary school students may require more expensive and specialised uniform items. If schools opt for more expensive branded items, they should justify the necessity of those items and explore ways to minimise financial pressure on families.

Parents also noted that most uniforms are purchased in multiples to avoid the need for daily washing and ironing: One parent explained, “Almost everything is bought in twos so it saves rushing to wash, dry and iron for the next day.” This practical reality should be taken into account when considering cost control measures, as the actual expenditure on uniforms is often doubled for convenience. Any cost control system must acknowledge that parents typically buy more than one set of uniform items to accommodate daily use.

While there is strong support for cost control measures, any approach must be clear, fair, and practical to implement. A cap on branded items, alongside greater transparency and accountability from schools on their uniform requirements, will help reduce financial strain on families without compromising the quality or practicality of school uniforms.

#15 Do you agree that a key consideration in all actions taken by the Department should be to encourage schools to change their practice in setting uniform policies to ensure there is a competitive market for uniform items? Yes

Comfort

#16 Do you agree with the proposal to make it compulsory for schools to demonstrate how their school uniform policy fulfils the conditions of comfort, flexibility and safety? Yes

Uniform Banks

#17 Do you agree that all schools should be required to establish a Uniform Bank? Yes

School uniforms should be developed in partnership with pupils and their parents/carers

#18 Do you agree that engagement with pupils on uniform policy should be mandatory? Yes

#19 Do you agree that engagement with parents on uniform policy should be mandatory? Yes

#20 Do you agree that schools should be required to publish details of stakeholder consultation on uniform policy? Yes

Publish a school’s uniform policy

#21 Do you agree that it should become a legal requirement to publish details on the development of the uniform policy? Yes

#22 If yes, which of the following should be a requirement to publish? (tick all that apply) Details of all stakeholders consulted, Response to issues raised by stakeholders, Rationale for a specific design or colour (if it is not a standardised colour), A list of compulsory and optional items, Estimated costs, A list of suppliers

Regular review of a school’s uniform policy

#23 Do you agree with the proposal that schools should review their uniform policy every three years? Yes

Parenting Focus survey respondents mostly agree with the Department of Education’s proposal for schools to review their uniform policy every three years (85%), and while there is general agreement with the need for regular reviews, parents have suggested various intervals that should be considered, with the overarching sentiment that reviews should be aligned with changing costs and family needs. Some parents emphasised the importance of ongoing or as-needed reviews in addition to formal three-year reviews. For instance, one parent noted, “Formally reviewed, yes, but ongoing review as needed,” to ensure uniform policies remain relevant and responsive to current conditions.

Additionally, there was a strong opinion from parents that uniform policies should not be used as a disciplinary tool. One parent stated clearly, “Uniform policy should not be a disciplinary matter for pupils,” indicating that while policy compliance is important, it should not result in punitive measures against students.

Formal review every three years seems reasonable, but we recommend that schools implement a flexible, annual cost review to ensure that any significant changes in pricing or availability are addressed promptly, without requiring a full policy overhaul. Ongoing monitoring should be encouraged, particularly for issues related to affordability and inclusivity, ensuring that uniform policies are consistently fair and equitable. Schools should be discouraged from using uniform policies as a disciplinary measure against students, and instead focus on supporting families who may struggle with compliance due to financial pressures.

Increasing the number of bands of provision of the School Uniform Grant

#24 Do you agree that an additional banding should be introduced (subject to available funding) for pupils entering Year 8 and Year 13 and also for Year 11 in the Dickson plan areas? Yes

Monitoring and Evaluation

#25 Do you agree with the proposed plans for monitoring and evaluation? Yes

Further comments

Additional Information: It is clear from the survey responses that affordability is one of the main concerns for parents, with 87% of parents indicating that they find it difficult to afford school uniforms. Many parents also noted that additional items, such as PE kits, are too expensive, especially considering how little use their children get out of them.

Furthermore, 77% of parents reported that they have had to make financial sacrifices in order to afford school uniforms, highlighting the significant financial strain these requirements place on families. The financial strain of purchasing school uniforms is not only affecting parents’ ability to meet these costs but also impacting family life. Many parents shared that they’ve had to sacrifice summer activities, days out, and even clothing for themselves in order to afford uniforms. For example, one parent explained, “It means actually enjoying the summer holidays is impossible—can’t afford days out,” while another noted, “2-3 summer outings have been sacrificed this year to pay for my son's uniform.” One parent highlighted that they had to set aside nearly £500 each August when both children were school age, “at the sacrifice of money on family holiday activities.”

The financial sacrifices parents are making to afford school uniforms extend beyond cutting back on leisure activities. Many parents reported having to reduce essential household spending, including groceries and utility bills, to meet uniform costs. One parent shared, “I had to cut back on groceries,” while another mentioned, “I reduced fruit purchases.” Others highlighted more drastic measures, such as not purchasing oil heating and reducing electricity and gas top-ups, with one parent explaining, “Instead of buying oil, I bought uniforms,” and another adding, “I didn’t pay my rates or electricity bill.” Some families even reported needing to take out loans or use credit cards to cover uniform and footwear expenses. These sacrifices clearly demonstrate the immense financial strain that current uniform costs place on families, affecting not just their ability to provide for school necessities but also their basic household needs.

This reinforces the importance of making school uniforms more affordable, as the current costs are forcing parents to make unsustainable trade-offs that impact their family’s wellbeing.

The most common suggestion from parents was to allow greater use of generic items, giving families the option to purchase more affordable alternatives. Many parents emphasised the need for uniform banks to be expanded and promoted, allowing for the reuse and recycling of uniform items to further reduce cost and promote sustainability. Additionally, parents frequently called for less costly PE kits and an increase in both the eligibility and the amount of the uniform grant to better support low-income families.

68% of parents agreed that the uniform grant should match the actual cost of the uniform, reflecting widespread concern that the current grant does not sufficiently cover expenses. Many parents also stressed the need for more support for working parents, who often struggle with uniform costs but may not qualify for financial assistance under the existing scheme. This highlights a clear call for the grant system to be more reflective of the true cost of uniforms and to be more inclusive, offering help to a broader range of families.

We fully support the introduction of a gender-neutral uniform policy, where there is only one uniform list for both boys and girls. This approach promotes inclusivity and ensures that all students, regardless of gender, have the same options available to them. A single uniform list would also simplify purchasing for parents and eliminate any unnecessary distinctions between uniforms, making the process more straightforward and equitable for all families. Gender-neutral uniforms help foster a more inclusive school environment, while also addressing concerns around affordability and practicality.