New guidelines issued to reduce cost of school uniforms in Scotland

Decisions on uniform styles in Scotland are made on a school-by-school basis. Photograph: Adrian Sherratt/Alamy

Blazers and other branded items should not be made a compulsory part of school uniform, according to new Scottish government guidelines that call on teachers “to do all they can to limit clothing costs”.

While school uniform is not compulsory in Scotland, with decisions on styles made on a school-by-school basis, the guidelines, issued on Thursday, are aimed at reducing the cost of schooling for families, as well as making required clothing more inclusive and sustainable.