School uniform guidance for Scotland launches today

CPAG in Scotland welcomes the publication of new Scottish government guidance on school uniform and clothing policies, particularly its strong focus on affordability and on involving children and parents in policy development. This guidance has the potential to make life easier for children and families on low incomes, helping make affordable uniform more consistent across Scotland.

Parents on low incomes tell us that costly uniform requirements are stressful and often impossible to afford. Children and young people say that not having the right uniform is embarrassing and can get in the way of taking part and feeling included at school. In our recent research with over 5000 pupils, around 90% agreed that school uniform is the school cost that matters most when it’s unaffordable. Some of our Cost of the School Day Voice network members explained to politicians how important affordable uniform is at a Scottish Parliament Roundtable discussion about school uniforms. 

Launch event with Voice network members

At CPAG in Scotland we were delighted to work with two schools from our Cost of the School Day Voice network, Camperdown Primary in Dundee and Holyrood Secondary School in Glasgow, to help develop a resource for children and young people.

To mark the launch of this resource and the main guidance, the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, Jenny Gilruth, visited Camperdown Primary School, to meet young people who had worked on the guidance for learners. She said that the guidance: 

“makes clear that schools are expected to do all they can to limit school clothing costs for families as part of our wider aim to reduce the cost of the school day.”

Young people were very enthusiastic about the guidance. They thought it was important because:

“It will help all families to make sure young people are included and comfortable.” 

One pupil thought that: 

“It helps families afford uniform.” 

The young people at Holyrood Secondary and Camperdown Primary thought that having good school uniform policies can make a really big difference, and can make pupils feel:

“Part of a community, and make you feel equal to everybody.” 

“You should feel happy you’re wearing uniform, like you are part of the school.” 

Looking ahead

Simple, affordable uniform policies reduce stressful costs for families on low incomes and make it easier for children and young people to turn up, fit in, take part and learn at school. We look forward to the Scottish government’s assessment of how the guidance is being implemented in the months ahead, in terms of impact on family budgets and equity at school. 

We are pleased that, alongside affordable policies, the guidance highlights the importance of awareness raising and support to apply for school clothing grants, a minimum of £120 per year for Primary and £150 for Secondary aged children. However, current eligibility criteria means that some families in poverty will be missing out on this vital support. We urge Scottish government and local authorities to expand eligibility to all families receiving Scottish child payment.

School uniform and clothing policy guidance on the Scottish government website

School uniform and clothing: Guidance for schools and education authorities

School uniform and clothing: Summary of guidance for schools and education authorities

School uniform and clothing: a resource for parents and carers

School uniform and clothing: a resource for pupils