Simple, affordable and inclusive uniform policies

Keith Grammar School, Moray

Staff at Keith Grammar found that the best uniform policy is one developed in collaboration with the whole school.

Former Depute Headteacher Liz Bain described what is key to the school's uniform policy:

“We believe school wear should be SIMPLE, AFFORDABLE and INCLUSIVE. We launched ‘Our Relational Approach’ which replaced our old discipline policy. At the heart of this is the importance of relationships and the last thing we want to do is make young folk feel unwelcome because of what they are wearing or can afford to buy to wear to school. We also aim by having a flexible school wear policy to reduce conflict and arguments about the right clothing, jackets in classes and so on.” 

Keith Grammar took other steps to reduce costs to families, including supplying ties to students, using Pupil Equity Funding to provide jumpers and shirts for anyone who needs those items, and referring families to Moray School Bank. The difference these changes have made are clear. Liz says that: 

“Pupils feel that our policy is simple and easy to get right and parents appreciate that we have tried to reduce the cost and make life simpler. As a school we feel we are helping and working together with our families to reduce the cost of the school day.” 

Buckie Community High School, Moray

Following the relaxation of uniform during Covid-19, the school considered how to go about reintroducing uniform, but was also aware of the cost implications this would have on families after a such a difficult time. So, while working alongside The Cost of the School Day team, Buckie Community High consulted pupils and families about school uniform and how policy might change to make it more affordable for all.

Pupils at Buckie believed that uniform was important to reduce bullying but also felt that it could be simpler and more easily afforded. 

One S3 pupil said that:

“I think really strict school uniform is outdated. As long as you are not wearing anything too extreme and you are wearing only black this would help with the competition to have the best.”

Pupils also discussed the challenges of the school blazer being mandatory for Prefects and suggested that this could be off-putting for some pupils who may be discouraged from applying for a Prefect position if there was an additional cost attached. 

Kirkintilloch High School, East Dunbartonshire

As part of their work to reduce costs, staff at Kirkintilloch High School surveyed parents and carers about school uniform.

Parents and carers told the school that having a clear and affordable uniform policy helped saved them money and helped everyone look the same. During lockdown, when windows were open to reduce transmission, the school decided to augment the uniform with a school hoodie to make sure nobody was cold in class.