‘Totally unnecessary rules’ – Scottish Greens pledge to cap school uniform cost

The Scottish Greens have said some schools have “totally unnecessary rules” on school uniforms, as they pledge to cap the cost of uniforms.

Guidance which was co-developed by the Scottish Greens during their time in Government, was introduced in September 2024.

It includes a series of recommendations to make school uniforms more affordable, however there are currently no requirements for local councils to follow such recommendations.

The guidance includes allowing pupils to wear generic items which can be bought at low cost from a range of shops, rather than the requirement for expensive branded items only available from specialist retailers.

This often includes blazers with particular braiding designs.

Scottish Greens co-leader Ross Greer said some schools have “totally unnecessary rules” on uniform.

He said: “Families across Scotland are really struggling with rising costs and bills. One way that schools and councils can support them is by cutting the cost of school uniforms.

“Despite some progress, too many schools still have totally unnecessary rules about their uniforms, including exclusive deals with specific suppliers. The classic example is a blazer with specific braiding, which can often cost more than the rest of a uniform combined and is now mandatory in many high schools.”

The guidance also recommends that schools should design their uniform and clothing policies on the basis that the school clothing grant would cover the cost of all items needed for the school year.

Proposals brought forward by the Scottish Greens would embed this guidance into law, forcing all councils to implement it and reduce uniform costs.

Mr Greer continued: “I’m proud of the work that the Scottish Greens did to deliver the current guidance, but it’s only saving families money at the schools which have actually implemented it.

“Making it a legal requirement across every school in Scotland would ensure that no family misses out on these savings.

“Taken alongside our delivery of free bus travel for young people, scrapping peak rail fares, expanding free school meals to thousands more children and cancelling all school meal debt, this proposal shows that the Scottish Greens are serious about saving families money.”