To ask the Minister of Education, pursuant to AQW 33791/22-27, to detail whether direction can be issued to schools, based on powers arising from the School Uniforms (Guidelines and Allowances) Bill, if their school uniform policy for the 2026-2027 academic year was published prior to the bill receiving Royal Assent.

The School Uniforms (Guidelines and Allowances) Bill comes into operation on the day after it gains Royal Assent. This will include the power for any directions required, or permitted, to be given under section 8 notwithstanding when a school uniform policy is published. When the Bill gains Royal Assent the guidelines will be formally issued to schools and then they must be adhered to under section 7. This will be in advance of the 2026/27 school year which schools have been advised of and the guidelines are being shared with them shortly - in advance of Royal Assent - to assist them.