The Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee will conclude its work this Parliament in March 2026 ahead of the next Scottish Parliament election. So the Committee has time to complete its work, it has agreed not to consider petitions submitted after 10 October.

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Closed petition PE1914: Ban school uniforms in secondary schools

Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to remove the requirement for school uniforms in secondary schools

Previous action taken

I have contacted Minister for Children and Young People, and they had given me no response

Background information

School uniforms prevent students from expressing their personality and culture.

They're a source of anxiety for low income families; uniforms are expensive and are an unnecessary cost. Students want to be able to dress comfortably, in their choice of style. Uniforms don’t consider weather, and they’re not suitable for all year round.

They are uncomfortable. Concentration is increased when students feel like they’re in a safe environment, and wearing their own clothes is much more pleasant than stiff blazers and itchy skirts.

Uniforms don’t stop judgement from others. Wearing uniforms immediately makes you a representative of the school you’re from. Others can judge you by your school before they’ve even met you. Students shouldn’t just be seen as a representative and part of something bigger. They should be seen as their own person.

Overall, they’re just unnecessary. Wearing their own clothes is something students need, when school is such a stress already.

  • Created by Matthew Lewis Simpson
  • Date closed 31 October 2022

This petition was considered by the Scottish Parliament

Find out about the decisions taken on this petition

17 signatures