https://www.gov.scot/publications/school-uniform-clothing-guidance-schools-education-authorities/pages/8/
'Sex
It is important for schools to recognise and understand that there may be issues related to clothing and uniform which have a greater impact on some pupils more than others, or in relation to particular activities. For example, young women and girls can often experience societal pressure to look or dress in a certain way. This can have an impact on their comfort and body image and may make them feel more self-conscious or anxious about attending school or participating in certain activities, such as PE. There may also be a perception that school uniform policies, and their implementation, can produce sexist double standards; for example, with girls and young women being held to stricter standards than boys and young men.[11] Research[12] also suggests that the cost of school uniform and clothing can be higher for girls and young women than it is for boys and young men.
Under the 2010 Act, schools must ensure that their uniform or clothing policies do not discriminate against pupils on the basis of their sex. Schools should design and implement gender neutral clothing and uniform policies that support participation and inclusion for all pupils. These policies should recognise and challenge the impact of harmful gender stereotypes, avoid gendered assumptions about the type of uniform that is preferred and promote flexibility and pupil choice.
Schools should avoid categorising items of clothing or uniform as suitable for a particular sex or gender and instead include a range of comfortable and practical, gender neutral options to support all pupils to participate fully in all subjects and activities. Schools should be mindful of language used when implementing uniform policy with individual students. For example, schools should avoid using language such as “modest” or “decent” as these terms are stigmatising and often only applied to girls and young woman. Schools should ensure that when supporting and encouraging pupils to observe their uniform or clothing policy, their approach promotes gender equality, does not respond differently to pupils because of their sex or gender and supports pupils’ freedom to express their gender identity.
Teachers and school staff should be supported to access appropriate training and resources to recognise and respond to gender-based issues and promote a culture of gender equality in their school. The Gender Based Violence Working Group has developed the Preventing and responding to gender based violence: a whole school framework. This resource will support those working with and in schools to develop and strengthen universal and targeted approaches to gender-based violence within the context of the Getting it right for every child (GIRFEC) approach.'
'Sexual Orientation and Gender Re-assignment
It is important that school uniform and clothing policies recognise and respond to the needs and identities of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning and intersex plus (LGBTQI+) pupils. Schools should develop and implement flexible and inclusive policies which take a proactive approach to address stereotypes and stigma which can often lead to prejudice or bullying experienced by pupils who are LGBTQI+. Under the 2010 Act, schools must ensure that their uniform and clothing policies do not discriminate on the basis of sex, sexual orientation or gender re-assignment.
The Scottish Government supported development of Guidance on supporting transgender young people in Scottish schools. The guidance is underpinned by the duties placed on education providers by the 2010 Act and provides advice on the practical application of those duties in a school setting. The guidance includes advice on school uniform. While this is in the context of supporting transgender pupils in schools, the principle can also apply to all pupils. The guidance says:
Supporting Transgender Pupils in Schools: Guidance for Scottish Schools
…forcing transgender young people to wear clothes which do not match their gender identity can be distressing for them, and may constitute discrimination under the Equality Act 2010.
If your school has a uniform, the school uniform policy should include a range of options to accommodate the needs of girls and boys and these should also accommodate the needs of transgender young people through gender-neutral options; this can be helpful for many young people. This approach should allow all young people to wear the school uniform they feel most comfortable in.
Schools should not exclude transgender young people because of how they dress, unless it breaches health and safety regulations.
If your school doesn't have a school uniform, it should be clear that young people can wear what they want, including skirts, trousers, shorts, regardless of gender identity, as long as this complies with school guidelines.
This guidance also provides advice on clothing for transgender young people participating in PE and highlights some examples of good practice. This includes allowing transgender young people to wear sportswear which matches their expressed gender identity and considering alternative options for swimming. Again, while this advice is provided within the context of supporting transgender young people, taking a flexible and informed approach will support participation and engagement for all pupils.
In addition, teachers and school staff should be supported to access appropriate training and resources to support a whole school approach to implementation of ‘LGBT Inclusive Education.’ The Scottish Government has worked with partners to develop a national platform to support teachers and school staff across Scotland to tackle prejudice through education. These resources can be accessed here: LGBT Inclusive Education | National Platform.'