A University of Aberdeen lecturer who has led influential studies looking at the regulation and cost of school uniforms in Scotland has welcomed today's publication of national guidance on school uniform by the Scottish Government.
Dr Rachel Shanks, Senior Lecturer in the School of Education and Director of Social Inclusion and Cultural Diversity conducted research which found that almost 20% of publicly funded secondary schools in Scotland specify an exclusive supplier for school uniform.
Her 2020 landmark study also found that 343 secondary schools (more than 96%) had a compulsory uniform; of those, 320 had uniforms which included a school tie, 235 included a blazer, and 200 schools banned the wearing of jeans.
As a result of Dr Shanks' recommendations and research findings, the Scottish Government committed to the introduction of statutory guidance on school uniforms and that has today (September 12) been published.
Following a national consultation in 2022, this guidance sets out how schools can help families by reducing uniform and PE kit costs and make all school clothing more affordable. It also explains what should be done to ensure equality, diversity and inclusion for pupils and how to make uniforms more sustainable, for example with the reuse of pre-loved uniform.
Commenting in response to the guidance, Dr Shanks said: “This guidance highlights what headteachers and education authorities should consider when designing and reviewing school uniform policies, in particular how to make school clothing more affordable. It clearly states that pupils’ views should be taken into consideration alongside the views of parents/carers, teachers and other school staff.
“This is the first guidance on school uniform in Scotland and provides clarity about what can and also what should not be expected in terms of what pupils should be asked to wear at school.”
She added: "This guidance gives schools, parents/ carers and pupils greater clarity on what can be expected in terms of school uniform and PE kit, ways that it can be made more affordable, for example with pre-loved items being available and also how to ensure that pupils’ rights are respected.
"This guidance is a positive step forward in terms of recognising children’s rights following incorporation of the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child.”