Some Tayside and Fife schools will not enforce their uniform policies

Schools in Tayside and Fife will not have a consistent uniform policy as head teachers will have the ability to determine whether they are necessary when pupils return to the classroom from August 11.

Pupils have often been asked to follow strict policies on uniform – typically consisting of shirts, ties and smart trousers.

However, the coronavirus pandemic has led many local authorities to relax the rules and pupils in Tayside and Fife may be asked to drop their formal attire for a more relaxed look.

Pupils at Monifieth High School have been informed of loosened uniform rules as they are set to be allocated a blue hooded sweatshirt which should be worn on campus.

Head teacher Mrs MC Mcinally told parents the policy had been created in an effort to support families “during a difficult period of time”.

During the blended learning phase, pupils will not have to wear their blazers with a shirt and tie – but are still expected to wear school trousers and shoes.

The measures were discussed at an online parent council meeting on June 9, where parents were also advised children would not be required to wear face masks.

However the majority of Angus secondary schools will not alter their uniform requirements.

Pupils attending both Montrose Academy and Carnoustie High School will be expected to be kitted out with blazers, shirts and school ties from the start of the new term.

Perth and Kinross Council have said they will not be enforcing a “blanket rule” on uniforms.

Instead, schools will set their own policy based on consultations with parents.

However, at Perth High School pupils have been asked not to wear uniform and staff will not have to wear their usual formal clothes.

The school have said the decision was made due to “health and safety” which would require clothes to be washed after returning home.

Formal school attire such as blazers, which do not fall into this category, are not permitted.

The letter to parents read: “We will not be asking pupils to wear uniform, or for staff to wear the more formal office clothes they would normally wear.”

Blairgowrie High School pupils have also been told to wear “comfy and washable clothes”.

Viewforth High School in Kirkcaldy and Kinghorn Primary School have told parents to expect “uniform as normal”, but many Fife schools are yet to confirm their policy.

A similar approach has been taken in Dundee, as many secondary schools are now offering parents the option to purchase blazers and ties.