Uniform and appearance policy

What a school requires pupils to wear, and the limits on enforcing it.

What it is

A uniform policy sets required clothing, footwear, hair and jewellery rules. Schools set their own and must have regard to statutory guidance on cost.

Where it applies

All state schools with a uniform, which is most of them.

How it works

Schools must keep costs reasonable and limit branded items — see school uniform help. Policies must not discriminate: rules on hair, headwear and jewellery engage the Equality Act, and adjustments for religion, race and disability may be required.

Sanctions for uniform breaches are lawful but must be proportionate and must not amount to exclusion by another route.

What you can ask for

Ask for an adjustment in writing where a rule conflicts with a disability, a sensory need or a religious requirement. Frame it as a reasonable adjustment.

Ask about hardship support before a sanction is applied. Cost is not a disciplinary matter.

If a child is being isolated or sent home over uniform repeatedly, ask whether that is being recorded as an exclusion — it may be an unlawful one.

Where to get help

The school's policy and the DfE cost guidance. SENDIASS for free local advice, and IPSEA or Contact nationally. where disability is involved.