School uniform

School dress code

You can also view the contents of this page in the School Dress Code leaflet (PDF).

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 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 for the first time – 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.

How will my child benefit from following their school's 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.

What clothing is unacceptable in schools?

• Items potentially causing health and safety problems for the wearer (for example, certain types of earrings and chains).
• Footwear which might damage the flooring or carpets.
• Clothing with words or pictures on them which could give offence to others including scarves or tops representing sports teams other than the school's own team.
• Clothing that is so tight, short or revealing that it could give offence to others.
• Clothing advertising the use of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs.

Support from parents

The Consultative Committee with Parents hopes that all parents will be aware of the advantages of a dress code for school pupils and that parents will do their best to support the code for their child/children. The benefits for successful teaching and learning will be felt for all. If a pupil is unwilling to comply with a dress code adopted by the school the following procedure may be followed:

• The pupil will be asked to comply with the dress code.
• Contact will be made by letter or telephone by the school.
• Parents will be invited to the school to discuss the dress code.
• Parents will advise the school in advance when other clothing is to be worn.

Our general guideline is that clothing should not disrupt the normal operation of school, cause damage to property or give offence to sections of the community.

What if I'm worried I won't be able to afford the dress code?

Children attending a primary or secondary school under the management of the City of Edinburgh Council are eligible for assistance. To qualify, parents must be in receipt of one of the following benefits:

• Child Tax credit (certain exceptions apply – see application form for details)
• Income Support
• Jobseekers Allowance (income-based)
• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 Application forms for assistance towards the cost of clothing and footwear are available from schools.

See the assistance with schoolwear page for more information.

We hope parents and guardians in Edinburgh will do their best to support the code for the benefit of all students in our schools. If you would like to discuss the dress code further, please contact your Head Teacher. Alternatively you can phone the department on 0131 469 3137.