Written question asked by Barry Sheerman (Labour) on Friday, 27 June 2014, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 1 July 2014. It was answered by David Laws (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 10 July 2014 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Schools: Uniforms

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education under what circumstances schools are permitted to require religious headcoverings or other religious items as part of compulsory uniform; and if he will issue revised guidance on this matter to Ofsted.

Answer

Our guidance to schools on school uniform is clear that schools must have full regard to their obligations under equalities law, and act reasonably, fairly and flexibly in the interests of all their students.

A school that required compulsory religious items as part of its policy may be at risk of breaching the Equality Act 2010; we would expect all schools to act flexibly in response to reasonable requests to vary their uniform policy.

The Department’s guidance on school uniform is available online:

www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-uniform

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 202910; 584 cc395-6W
Session: 2014-15
Subjects: Schools Religious practice Uniforms
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk

Schools: Uniforms

Secondary information

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