Written question asked by Christopher Chope (Conservative) on Thursday, 1 February 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 6 February 2007. It was answered by Lord Knight of Weymouth (Labour) on Thursday, 8 February 2007 on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills.

Pupils: Jewellery

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what guidance his Department has issued to education authorities on the wearing by school pupils of purity rings.

Answer: [holding answer 6 February 2007: I refer the hon. Member to my answer given to my hon. Friend the Member for South-West Bedfordshire (Andrew Selous) on 13 June 2006, Official Report, column1099W. School governing bodies determine school uniform policy and dress codes under powers conferred by the 1998 School Standards and Framework Act. The Department's guidance does not specifically mention jewellery with religious significance, but states that in deciding the format of their uniform, governors should have regard to their responsibilities under anti-discrimination legislation. It also states that in setting a policy, the school should be sensitive to pupil's cultural and religious needs and differences.

Secondary information