AQW 36663/22-27

Mrs Michelle Guy
Alliance Party
Lagan Valley

Tabled Date: 02/12/2025
Answered On Date: 10/12/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education whether he will update the school uniform guidelines to include the right for girls to have the choice to wear trousers as part of the school uniform.

Answer:

There is no barrier in either the School Uniforms (Guidelines and Allowances) Bill or the associated guidelines to girls wearing trousers as part of their school uniform. I have consistently stated my view that there is a balance to be struck between ensuring school uniform policy requirements are affordable, comfortable, practical for pupils and their parents and respecting the autonomy of schools to determine their individual uniform, in line with the guidelines.

The Bill and the guidelines require schools to consult with their pupils and parents about the uniform policy requirements, which provides the opportunity for these requirements to be agreed. I am content the School Uniforms Guidelines strike the appropriate balance as they are currently drafted.