School Uniform Policies And The Equality Act 2010

Most schools will have a uniform policy or other rules concerning the appearance of their pupils. 

There are recognised benefits in having a school uniform, as a uniform can: instil pride; support positive behaviour and discipline; contribute towards the ethos of a school; help to ensure pupils of all races and backgrounds feel welcome; protect children from social pressures to dress in a particular way; nurture cohesion; and promote good relations between different group of pupils.

The law

Under the provisions of the Equality Act 2010 schools must not discriminate on grounds of age, sex, gender reassignment, race, disability, pregnancy and maternity, religion or belief or sexual orientation.  The leading cases challenging uniform policies have tended to focus on racial or religious matters.