The department published new statutory guidance on the cost of school uniforms in November 2021 to ensure the cost is reasonable and secures the best value for money for parents. The department expects governing boards to be compliant with much of the guidance by September 2022 and fully compliant by Summer 2023. The department’s statutory guidance on the cost of school uniform can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cost-of-school-uniforms/cost-of-school-uniforms.

The guidance is clear that disputes around school uniform are to be resolved locally and pursued in accordance with a school’s complaints policy. In law, governing boards must have a complaints procedure in place to deal with issues such as a complaint about school uniforms.

Parents should be able to lodge their complaints or objections easily. The department expects the governing board to consult and work closely with parents to arrive at a mutually acceptable outcome.

If, having gone through the school’s complaints process, a parent is not satisfied by the way the school has addressed their concerns, they can complain to the department.

It is for the governing body of a school (or the academy trust, in the case of academies) to determine their uniform policy. The department has published statutory guidance on the cost of school uniform that requires schools to prioritise cost consideration for parents and to keep school uniforms affordable.

The department has sought to provide a framework in the guidance that sets clear direction for schools on factors which affect affordability within which schools should operate. This should make uniform more affordable whilst also allowing for local decision making.

School leaders know their local communities best and are best placed to take decisions on their uniform policy. These decisions should be informed by the views of pupils and parents. The guidance requires school leaders to engage with parents and pupils on cost issues when developing their uniform policy and a school should be able to show how these views have been considered in their policy.

The guidance does not prevent schools or local authorities from offering support in cases of financial hardship where they choose to do so. The department does not currently intend on publishing additional guidance on the cost of school uniform.