MLA welcomes uniform update

MLA welcomes uniform update

9 July 2025

PROGRESS on new legislation which aims to make school uniforms more affordable has been welcomed by South Down MLA Cathy Mason.

Mrs Mason — who is a member of Stormont’s Education Committee — said reducing the cost of school uniforms has been a priority for her since becoming an MLA.

And she said she knows from speaking with parents across South Down, that’s it’s a real pressure point for many families.

Mrs Mason said the Education Committee has now completed its work on the legislation and has put forward a number of proposals to strengthen it and “make a real difference to people’s lives”.

She continued: “This is especially important right now, as many local families are beginning to purchase uniforms for the new school term, often facing enormous costs. That’s simply not sustainable.

“If we are serious about affordability, we need to end the use of expensive single-supplier contracts and parents should be free to buy affordable alternatives on the High Street.”

Mrs Mason said there is also as need to reduce the number of branded uniform and PE items schools require and put in place strong what she described as “enforceable guidance to stop families being ripped off”.

Ms Mason revealed that some school leaders have already shown that genuine affordability is possible. 

“I recently spoke to a principal who has developed a uniform policy which delivers a full school uniform for less than the cost of the uniform grant,” she said.

“Sinn Féin will continue working with others to ensure this legislation delivers real change for families in South Down and right across the North.”