The new School Uniforms (Guidelines and Allowances) Bill, introduced to reduce the financial burden on families, has received full Assembly support and passed the Final Stage.

Welcoming the support, Education Minister, Paul Givan, said that this "effective piece of legislation"will introduce a comprehensive framework to ensure fairness and equity in school uniform policies. Crucially, it places a statutory duty on schools to adhere to new departmental guidelines, rather than merely considering them, and gives the Department a legally enforceable power of direction if schools fail to comply.

The framework mandates several key changes:

• Affordability: School uniform policies must address affordability, comfort, practicality, and value for money. • Supplier Choice: Uniforms must be available from multiple suppliers unless a school can clearly demonstrate value for money from a single provider.

• Cost Controls: The Bill allows for caps on costs or the number of branded items required.

• Consultation: Schools are required to consult with parents and pupils when developing their uniform policies.

• Uniform Grants: The legislation extends uniform grant eligibility to pupils in independent schools.

• Review: The guidelines must be reported on and reviewed at least every three years.

Mr Givan concluded that the Bill ensures school uniforms are "not a barrier to education" and delivers real change for families who have faced excessive and unnecessary financial pressure for too long. The legislation will come into operation in time for the 2026/2027 school year.