The Department of Education has issued legally-binding guidelines for schools on uniform policies for the 2026-27 school year. These apply to all schools across Northern Ireland and must be followed when setting uniform rules.
Schools must ensure uniforms and PE kits are affordable for families on low incomes. Eligibility for free school meals, based on household income below £15,390, is used as a benchmark for affordability.
Schools are required to minimise branded items, including school-specific PE kits. This measure aims to reduce costs that have previously driven up the price of school uniforms.