News – School uniforms

School uniforms

Headteachers will not breach children’s human rights by stopping Muslim pupils from wearing Islamic dress, says the Lord Chancellor, Lord Falconer. However, teachers should use common sense and take local community feelings into account when making decisions.
The National Association of Headteachers’ annual conference was told recently that teachers who act properly should not fear legal action. Last year the Law Lords ruled that Denbigh High School in Luton was justified in banning a Muslim girl from wearing the jilbab, but it took a lengthy legal battle before this was established.
Government guidance to headteachers says schools can decide their own uniform code in consultation with the local community.