Written question asked by Iain Wright (Labour) on Friday, 8 October 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 12 October 2010. It was answered by Nick Gibb (Conservative) on Tuesday, 2 November 2010 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Schools: Uniforms

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education if he will take steps to regulate the making of exclusive agreements between schools and suppliers of school uniforms; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: There is no legislation that deals specifically with school uniform. Although governing bodies are responsible for deciding whether there should be a school uniform and how it should be sourced, guidance by the Department for Education makes clear that governing bodies should keep the cost of uniform under review, and be able to demonstrate that best value has been achieved. Governing bodies are also asked to ensure that the uniform chosen is widely available in high street shops, other retail outlets and internet suppliers, rather than from an expensive sole supplier. This guidance is reinforced in the School Admissions Code, that schools should not seek to operate as sole suppliers in order to raise funds through the sale of school uniforms, and to ensure that their policies and practices do not disadvantage any children.

Secondary information