17/09/2026
Did you know? 🇬🇧
In England, state-funded schools have significant control over their uniform policies, but those policies must comply with the Equality Act 2010 and Human Rights Act 1998. The Department for Education’s current guidance specifically recognises religious dress, including head coverings, and says schools should consider reasonable ways of accommodating religious requirements.
The issue has recently attracted attention because Barnet Hill Academy, a voluntary-aided Islamic faith school, lists a plain white hijab as part of the uniform for girls in Years 1–6. The school states that the hijab is not required for non-Muslim pupils and says its uniform is aligned with the school's Islamic ethos.
This raises a wider question about the balance between religious freedom, parental choice, children's individual rights and the character of faith schools. The government's guidance says pupils have a right to manifest their religion or belief, while schools can impose restrictions where there is a legitimate and justified reason, such as safety, security or maintaining good order.
There is also an important distinction between a school allowing religious clothing and requiring it. Whether a particular requirement is lawful depends on the school's status, its policy, the pupils affected and the circumstances in which the rule is applied.
Should state-funded schools be banned from requiring girls to wear religious clothing? 🇬🇧
Where should Britain draw the line between religious freedom and individual choice?
