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AIBU?

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Original poster

Has your High School updated its branded uniform rules yet as per the new Government policy applicable from Sept26?

82 replies

Flamingoqueenofchaos · 20/05/2026 12:18

Has anyone’s High School updated their uniform for September 26 as per the new government policy…..

….From September 2026, schools should not require parents and carers to buy more than 3 items of branded school uniform. Secondary and middle schools may ask for 4 items if a tie is one of them…..

My child starts high school this September and there’s is still 5 branded items listed: tie, skirt, blazer, pe top, pe shorts

I have called the school and no update so far (yes I know there’s still weeks before end of term but what with holidays/work etc I’m trying to actually get organised!!)

OP posts:
Friendlygingercat · 20/05/2026 12:35

The UK is one of only 4 European countries which have mandated uniforms for state schools - the others are Ireland, Malta and Cyprus. European countries do not have mandated uniforms (except for elite private schools) and manage with a simple dress code. School uniforms in UK are a cultural hangover from a class system which grew out of elite schools like Eton and Harrow. Other schools emulated it and it became the norm - along with the Victorian obsession around appearance.

TipsyLaird · 20/05/2026 12:34

ThreeStripeQueen · 20/05/2026 12:30

Is this specific to England?

Scottish schools tend not to have branded gear, unless private schools. I have never heard of anyone in state primary or secondary having to have branded PE gear.

Cottagecheeseisnotcheese · 20/05/2026 12:34

Yes specific to England definitely not Scotland as though uniforms common in Scotland they can't be enforced legally and you can't be deprived of education for non compliance only thing absolutely banned is sectarian clothing so you could be sent home for that which is why football stripes are generally banned even on non uniform days.

I have no idea about Wales and Northern Ireland

Original poster
Flamingoqueenofchaos · 20/05/2026 12:31

Yes England, I’m in the South East

OP posts:
ThreeStripeQueen · 20/05/2026 12:30

Is this specific to England?

Friendlygingercat · 20/05/2026 12:22

Many European schools manage perfectly well without uniforms and just a "dress code".

mindutopia · 20/05/2026 12:20

Our secondary school had only 2 items already - a school jumper and a PE shirt. There is also a PE jumper but they don’t have to wear it. And there is other optional branded stuff. That change was made in 2024 ish, if I remember.

Primary school - only jumper, PE shirt, PE hoodie.