Paul Givan has published revised school uniform guidelines that oblige every school in Northern Ireland to include trousers as an option for girls as part of their official uniform. The change covers the full school year and specifically includes PE and Games.

The guidance has legal force under the School Uniforms (Guidelines and Allowances) Act (Northern Ireland) 2026, which took effect earlier this year. The Act is intended to lower uniform costs and ensure that affordability, comfort, practicality and sustainability are central to school uniform policies.

Speaking about the change, Paul Givan said: "I have listened carefully over recent months to young people and the message is clear: girls want the choice to wear trousers as part of their school uniform. "There is always a balance to be struck between the autonomy of schools to determine their uniform policy and the level of prescription in Departmental guidelines. However, this issue really matters to many young people. After careful consideration, I have, therefore acted to remove any uncertainty for pupils, parents and schools."

Under the guidelines issued today, schools must update their uniform policies for the 2027/28 school year onwards to guarantee the trousers option for girls throughout the year, including during PE and Games.

The Minister concluded: "The revised guidelines will guarantee that girls have the option to wear trousers in every school. My Department will continue to engage with and support schools as they implement the new requirements."

The School Uniforms (Guidelines and Allowances) Act (Northern Ireland) 2026 and the updated School Uniforms Guidelines are available on the Department of Education website: www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/school-uniforms-guidelines