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School Uniforms
There is no legislation covering the wearing of school uniform but many schools have policies relating to uniform and the wearing of jewellery etc. Whilst there is nothing in law the governing body of your school can lay down quite strict rules about the uniform you should wear at school. The only things that they can’t do is discriminate on the grounds of race or sex. This could be that the school says that girls can’t wear trousers. In circumstances like this it could be that the school is discriminating against girls and especially those from the Islamic community or saying that Sikhs can’t wear turbans. Equally a school which says that students can’t wear jewellery may have problems with some traditions who require people wear certain items.
You can usually find what the schools policies are on uniform and appearance in the school’s prospectus.
You may find that if you don’t wear school uniform you could be disciplined including being excluded but government guidelines say that you shouldn’t be excluded if you are not complying due to religious or cultural reasons or where you cannot comply through no fault of your own.
According to the Government the County Council can help with the cost of school uniform but not all councils do. Even when they do what is on offer can be very restrictive. Norfolk, for example, only offer a £25 voucher per family and only if the family is on income support. If you or your parents want to claim we have some forms so please get in touch . You might find you’re better off making an appointment to see your form tutor or connexions PA to see if they can help. You might also be able to get some help from one of the charities listed on our pagehere
It may be that you could get some help from the school’s governing body or parents' association. This is often provided by the school keeping a stock of second-hand clothing which it gives to pupils or by running a second-hand uniform shop where the clothing can be bought cheaply by any parent.
It is not possible to get a community care grant, from the social fund, to help with school uniform, but your parents might be able to get a budgeting loan if they are on benefit.
Disclaimer, Target Audience, Jurisdiction Last updated & checked: 22/03/2006