Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Laura Trott (Conservative) on Monday, 7 September 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 10 September 2026 (named day). It was answered by Paul Waugh (Labour) on Thursday, 10 September 2026 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Schools: Uniforms

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether a state-funded school may require a pupil of primary-school age to wear religious clothing as part of its uniform without the express consent of the pupil's parent or guardian.

Answer

The department does not routinely gather data on individual schools’ uniform policies and does not hold information on schools requiring articles of religious clothing.

School leaders, including those of faith schools, are responsible for making decisions on the uniform requirements for their school.

The department publishes non-statutory guidance on ‘Developing school uniform policy, which sets out schools’ obligations under the Human Rights Act 1998 and the Equality Act 2010, as well as general equality and discrimination considerations. This is available here at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-uniform/school-uniforms.

The department’s guidance is clear that schools should aim for their uniform policy to be as inclusive as possible so that all pupils are able to wear the uniform. They should engage with parents and pupils when developing the policy.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
27555
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Clothing Pupils Schools Religion Uniforms
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk