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Policies & procedures

Developing an affordable school uniform policy

Ensure your board complies with statutory guidance to develop a uniform policy that is affordable and inclusive to all.

Guidance
24/10/2025
training small class taking notes from whiteboard

UPDATE: Statutory DfE guidance on the cost of school uniforms now contains draft sections to support schools to adhere to the proposed limit on the number of branded items of school uniform and PE kit that schools can require. The government intends to make this a legal requirement from September 2026.

DfE guidance also strongly encourages governing boards to adopt a uniform policy to create a common identity among pupils and act as a social leveller.

Governing boards are responsible for deciding what the policy should contain. It should be easy to understand and published on the school/trust website.

Our short guide is intended to help boards comply with the statutory guidance and develop school uniform policies that are affordable and inclusive to all.

The guidance covers:

  • what a school uniform policy should contain
  • developing an eco-friendly policy
  • second-hand uniform requirements
  • reviewing and developing your own policy
  • questions to ask about your uniform policy

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