New law to tackle cost of school uniforms passes through Stormont

The law will compel schools to explain to parents the reasons for uniform prices

Stormont assembly members have passed a new law aimed at addressing the cost of school uniforms in Northern Ireland.

The law will compel schools to explain to parents the reasons for uniform prices and provide the education minister with an "enabling power" to cap costs, but it will not include a specific price cap.

Despite criticism from a number of Stormont parties, it is expected the new law will be in place for the start of the 2026/27 school year.

Sinn Féin, Alliance and the SDLP said the legislation was a "missed opportunity", arguing that it does not go far enough.

DUP Education Minister Paul Givan rejected the criticism and said parties had misunderstood the "strength" of his legislation.

He said new guidelines on school uniforms will be shared with schools as a "matter of urgency" in the coming weeks.

DUP Education Minister Paul Givan said parties had misunderstood the "strength" of his legislation

The minister also defended his decision not to force schools to offer girls a choice between skirts and trousers.

Questioned by a number of assembly members (MLAs) about this, Givan said it would be reflected in the upcoming guidance.

"It will not mandatorily require every school to say you must make provision for this, there's always a balance to be struck," he added.

"Do we force all schools or do we allow them to engage with parents and pupils and they come forward with it? I err on the side of allowing our schools to navigate this issue but it is part of the guidance when it comes to comfort and practicality."

Despite criticism from other executive and opposition parties, the bill passed without a formal vote and will now receive royal assent before implementation can begin.

What is the average cost of school uniforms?

A UK-wide report in 2023 found parents were spending about £422 a year on secondary school uniforms and £287 on primary school uniforms.

Some families here can qualify for a one-off payment to help buy uniforms for primary and secondary school pupils. There is no grant available for pupils in nursery.

The rates for the 2025-26 school year are:

• £42.90 for primary school pupils born on or before 1 July 2021

• £61.20 for secondary school pupils under 15

• £67.20 for secondary school pupils aged 15 and over

An additional payment of £26.40 is available for secondary school pupils to help with the cost of PE kits.

The Education Authority in Northern Ireland currently spends about £6m a year, to support 94,000 pupils, as part of the uniform grant scheme.