Families to pay less for school uniforms as new Act comes into effect

Date published: 23 February 2026

Education Minister Paul Givan has welcomed the School Uniforms (Guidelines and Allowances) Act (Northern Ireland) 2026 coming into operation, having received Royal Assent.

This means that families across Northern Ireland will pay less for school uniforms as new statutory Guidelines come into force.

The School Uniforms Guidelines, which have now been laid in the Assembly and issued to schools, become statutory for schools to adhere to with immediate effect. This means that school uniform policies for the 2026/27 school year must follow all the requirements set out in the Guidelines.

Education Minister, Paul Givan said: 

“School uniforms play an important part in promoting a sense of identity, pride and unity for pupils and supporting the ethos of the school.

“However, the cost of school uniforms is consistently cited as a key concern for parents. 

“I sought to address this issue as a priority when taking up office and I am delighted that parents will now be assured that schools must comply with the statutory School Uniforms Guidelines and will see the benefits of lower uniform costs in time for the next academic year.”

Paul Givan continued: 

“This Act compels all grant-aided and independent primary and post-primary schools to adhere to the School Uniforms Guidelines, which also set out how schools should consult with parents and pupils on their school uniform policies, review these policies regularly and publish information on their rationale for uniform choices, including the cost of items and where they can be purchased. 

“These robust Guidelines also state that branded items must be minimised, and generic PE kit must be prioritised.  Additionally, they ensure uniform requirements will not prevent pupil participation or penalise pupils who are unable to afford items.”

The Minister concluded: 

“The aim of this Act is to ensure that school governing bodies put affordability, comfort, practicality and sustainability at the centre of their decision-making when they set their school uniform requirements. 

“The cost of a school uniform should not be a significant burden for parents, nor should it deter them from applying for a particular school for their child. This Act has the power to make those principles a reality.”

The statutory Uniforms Guidelines can be found on the DE website at: https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/publications/school-uniforms-guidelines