Northern Ireland: New legal guidelines guarantee girls the option to wear trousers to school
Northern Ireland schoolgirls are to have the option of wearing trousers as part of their uniform under revised guidelines.
The guidelines, which include PE and games, are legally binding under the School Uniforms Act which came into operation earlier this year.
The Act is designed to help reduce the cost of school uniforms and ensure affordability, comfort, practicality and sustainability are at the centre of policies.
Speaking about the change, Education Minister, Paul Givan,Paul Givan said: “I have listened carefully over recent months to young people and the message is clear: girls want the choice to wear trousers as part of their school uniform.
“There is always a balance to be struck between the autonomy of schools to determine their uniform policy and the level of prescription in Departmental guidelines.
"However, this issue really matters to many young people. After careful consideration, I have, therefore acted to remove any uncertainty for pupils, parents and schools.”
The guidelines issued on Friday (September 11) stipulate uniform policies for the 2027/28 school year onwards must include the option for girls to wear trousers.
The minister concluded: “The revised guidelines will guarantee that girls have the option to wear trousers in every school. My Department will continue to engage with and support schools as they implement the new requirements.”