STATUS: February 2022
Children must get an education between the school term after their 5th birthday and the last Friday in June in the school year they turn 16. Each school decides its uniform and must not discriminate based on sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief. Children can leave school on the last Friday in June if you’ll be 16 by the end of the summer holidays.
Discipline
The head teacher can discipline your child for not wearing the school uniform. Your child can be suspended or expelled if they repeatedly ignore the uniform rules.
Help with the cost of buying uniforms
Talk to the head teacher if your child isn’t wearing the uniform, including PE kit, because you can’t afford it.
You may be able to get help with school uniform costs.
Discrimination
Schools can decide if girls can wear trousers, or if religious dress is allowed. If you think your child is being discriminated against, talk to the head teacher.
Changes to the school uniform
Talk to the head teacher, school governors or parent-teacher association (PTA) if you’d like the school uniform changed.
Contact Citizens Advice if you’re forced to buy uniforms from an expensive supplier.
Exclusions
Headteachers can exclude your child if they misbehave in or outside school.
Your child’s school will let you know about an exclusion as soon as possible. They’ll follow up with a letter telling you how long your child is excluded for and why.
You should also be told how to challenge the exclusion, if you want to.
Exclusions can start on the same day but the school shouldn’t make you collect your child straight away.
Risk of prosecution if child is found in public place
For the first 5 school days of an exclusion, it’s your responsibility to make sure your child isn’t in a public place during normal school hours unless there is a good reason.
You might be prosecuted if your child is found in a public place when they’re not supposed to be.
