AQW 49476/22-27

Mr Nick Mathison
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 24/06/2026
Answered On Date: 03/07/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education to detail any work undertaken by his Department regarding (i) the introduction of a cost cap on school uniform costs; and (ii) a public consultation on a cost cap on school uniform costs.

Answer:

My officials are currently monitoring adherence to the School Uniforms Guidelines with an analysis of the exercise yet to be completed. Once officials have assessed the impact of the statutory guidelines, we will be better placed to determine appropriate next steps, including consideration of any cap on cost or number of branded items.

Section 5 of the School Uniforms (Guidelines and Allowances) Act (Northern Ireland) 2026 which provides for the capping of expenses to be covered in School Uniforms Guidelines is not yet in operation.