Education, Children and Families Committee 10 June 2025
School Uniforms – Decision
1.1.1 Notes that schools have responded to the Scottish Government guidance on
school uniform and clothing (published 12 September 2024), and have taken steps
to reduce the cost of school uniforms.
1.1.2 Notes Scottish Government guidance on school uniforms (September 2024)
that schools are expected to do all that they can to limit school clothing costs for
families and that branded items of uniform and blazers should not be compulsory,
nor promoted or encouraged by schools;
1.1.3 Notes that the cost of school branded uniform items can be one of the most
significant school costs for parents and carers and that the cost of purchasing school
branded uniforms is becoming unaffordable for families;
1.1.4 Believes that all schools should have flexible uniform polices by including
plain/non branded uniform items that match school colours and that providing an
option for branded items that are purchased may create division and stigma within a
school community;
1.1.5 Therefore requests that officers actively engage with those schools that
currently have branded uniform to ensure that they have non-branded options, and
that if branded items are retained that they can be purchased from a range of
suppliers and requests a report on the findings of this engagement;
1.1.6 Agrees to publish a contract opportunity to allow schools to purchase generic
non-branded uniform items but notes that schools should also have a flexible policy
that also allows generic uniforms items to be purchased from a range of high street
retailers and/or supermarkets
School Uniform (updated August 2025):
St John’s RC Primary School recognises the Scottish Government guidance on reducing uniform costs and making branded uniform non-compulsory. In a commitment to cost reduction and sustainable practice, we also offer free used uniform. (details below).
Parents/carers are asked to co-operate in encouraging the wearing of basic uniform. Our flexible uniform guidance consists of:
Preferred:
- Navy or bottle green school sweatshirt or cardigan (with or without school logo)
Optional additions:
- White polo shirt
- Grey-coloured bottoms
- ‘House’ t-shirt in a specific colour. Houses are allocated in Primary 1.
- P7 Hoodies
The appropriate clothing for PE is a t-shirt (‘House’ or otherwise) and comfortable bottoms. Football strips/sports logos are not allowed. For swimming (Primary 5): a swimsuit and swimming cap.
Please label all items of clothing (particularly sweatshirts, which are often mislaid!).
If you have any queries regarding uniform, contact the Office admin@st-johns.edin.sch.uk
St John’s is committed to offering free used uniform and keeps a pre-loved rail topped up. Donations of new/nearly new items are welcome. There is also a used uniform stall at the Parent Council-run summer fair.
Assistance:
Information on eligibility for free school meals, milk and clothing grants can be found here: https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/schoolgrants; and the Edinburgh School Uniform Bank provide bespoke packs of new uniform by referral: https://edinburghuniform.org/.
