Whilst there is no specific legislation on school uniform, a governing body (or the academy trust, in the case of an academy or free school) can specify a uniform which pupils are required to wear, as part of its responsibility for the conduct of the school. It is for the headteacher to ensure that the policy is adhered to. The vast majority of schools in England have a school uniform or a dress code, and other rules on appearance.
The department strongly encourages schools to have a uniform as it can play a valuable role in contributing to the ethos of a school and setting an appropriate tone.
A school uniform can help to:
* support positive behaviour and discipline
* ensure pupils from all backgrounds feel welcome
* protect children from social pressures to dress in a particular way
* nurture cohesion and promote good relations between different groups of pupils