AQW 51917/22-27

Mr Andrew McMurray
Alliance Party
South Down

Tabled Date: 14/09/2026
Answered On Date: 17/09/2026
Priority Written: Yes

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education, following his comments to the media regarding his Department's new School Uniform Guidelines , whether schools will still be able to require girls to request permission before wearing trousers.

Answer:

The amended School Uniform Guidelines make it clear that school uniform policies are to provide the option for girls to wear trousers throughout the school year. This also includes for PE/Games.

The requirement for each school’s uniform policy to include the option for girls to wear trousers applies to policies for the 2027/28 school year onwards.

Schools have been advised that while there is not a requirement for the current school year’s policy to be amended, it would seem prudent given this will be a requirement next year, for schools to respond positively to any requests from girls to wear trousers as part of their uniform should they ask in advance of the 2027/28 school year.