Statutory guidance on the cost of school uniform

Understand what the DfE's statutory guidance on the cost of school uniform means for your school and governing board, and what you need to do to comply.

Last reviewed on 10 November 2022
School types: AllSchool phases: AllRef: 40059
Contents
  1. What you need to do, and when
  2. You’re encouraged to have a school uniform policy
  3. You must take cost into account when you develop your uniform policy
  4. Uniform policy requirements
  5. Make sure second-hand uniform is available
  6. Manage costs through effective procurement
  7. FAQs

This article summarises the Department for Education’s (DfE’s) statutory guidance on the cost of school uniforms

It’s aimed at governing boards in maintained schools, and the board of trustees in academies. If you’re on a local governing body (LGB) in a multi-academy trust, check your scheme of delegation to see if you have a role in your school’s uniform policy.

What you need to do, and when

You were expected to comply with as much of the guidance as possible by September 2022.

By the end of summer term 2022, you should have:

This applies to each school in a multi-academy trust. If you haven't already completed the steps above, do so as