AQW 53164/22-27

Mr Nick Mathison
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 28/09/2026
Answered On Date: 01/10/2026
Priority Written: Yes

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education to detail why updated school uniform guidelines state that school uniform policies are to provide the option for girls to wear trousers throughout the school year, including for PE and games, rather than stating school uniform policies must provide this option, which reflects language used in other guidelines.

Answer:

The words "are to" mean the same as "must" in the context of the Guidelines. All grant-aided and independent primary and post-primary schools must provide the option in their uniform policies for girls to wear trousers throughout the school year, including for PE and games from the 2027-2028 schoolyear onwards.