Girls in Northern Ireland given the right to wear trousers to school

From the next school year, girls in Northern Ireland will have the right to choose to wear trousers to school.

Uniform rules have just been updated following a long running debate on the issue.

It marks a U-turn by Stormont's Education Minister Paul Givan who says he's “listened carefully to young people”.

The guidelines are legally binding under the School Uniforms Act which came into operation earlier this year.

Speaking about the change, which will also apply to PE and Games kits, Education Minister Paul Givan said, “I have listened carefully over recent months to young people and the message is clear: girls want the choice to wear trousers as part of their school uniform.”

“There is always a balance to be struck between the autonomy of schools to determine their uniform policy and the level of prescription in Departmental guidelines. However, this issue really matters to many young people. After careful consideration, I have, therefore acted to remove any uncertainty for pupils, parents and schools.”

“The revised guidelines will guarantee that girls have the option to wear trousers in every school. My Department will continue to engage with and support schools as they implement the new requirements.”

The guidelines issued today stipulate that school uniform policies for the 2027/28 school year onwards must include the option for girls to wear trousers throughout the school year, including for PE and Games.