School uniform

The Scottish Government has made the wearing of a school uniform a central part of the drive to improve discipline and raise academic standards in schools. The Government's Discipline Task Group published a report that encouraged schools to consult with pupils, parents and teachers to adopt agreed schoolwear.

Here in Edinburgh, we consulted with School Boards (the predecessor of Parent Councils) and parents on the possibility of introducing a dress code and received a positive response. Many schools across the city have already adopted a code - sometimes at the request of the students themselves.

Schools with a positive ethos of achievement have a number of common features - they have high expectations of their pupils and expect them to behave well, show commitment, make good academic progress and complete their homework. These schools also have sustained efforts to either maintain or introduce a dress code. Please see the school dress code leaflet (PDF).

Benefits of a school dress code

• Security can be improved - it is easy to spot who does not belong to the school community
• Pupils can feel a strong sense of belonging and commitment to the school
• It can improve the image of the school in the local community
• It can create a sense of purpose within the school environment
• The differences between pupils are reduced, which in turn reduces some causes of isolation and bullying
• The self-esteem of pupils can be improved

Edinburgh's Consultative Committee with Parents has recognised the above as positive reasons for introducing a dress code. However they believe that it is up to individual school communities to decide the dress code for their school and also how to promote its use with children and parents.

Assistance with schoolwear

The Council can offer children from low income families assistance towards the purchase of school clothing, subject to certain criteria. Find out more about free school meals and assistance with schoolwear.