The guidance, which was published following a three-month consultation, urges all schools to have a school uniform, but warns that any set policy must be affordable, non-discriminatory and sensitive to the needs of pupils.

In particular, the guidelines warn that schools which have exclusive contracts with suppliers may be subject to enforcement action under the terms of the Competition Act. Overly expensive uniform policies may also fall foul of the School Admissions Code, which places a statutory duty on all governing bodies to ensure that their policies and practices do not disadvantage any children.

Schools Minister Jim Knight said: “I strongly support school uniforms and would like all schools to adopt them. They can instill pride and unity, support a strong school ethos and prevent the jealousy, rivalry and conflict that can arise when children wear different clothes.

“But the cost of uniforms must never be a barrier for poorer families. There’s an important balance to be struck between developing a smart, comfortable uniform and burdening parents with needless expense by insisting on bespoke designs, for instance.”

Graham Michelli from the National Schoolwear Centres agreed with the guidelines in principal, but said it was important for uniforms to remain distinctive. “National Schoolwear Centres is completely opposed to schools using uniforms as a backdoor selection method and exclusive contracts that exercise this practice should indeed be subject to enforced action,” he said.

“Having said that, it is important to understand that such contracts are few and far between and that the majority of exclusive contracts enable schools and parents to have the best availability, cost and quality of uniform possible.

“Ensuring school uniform is affordable for all is essential but this does not mean that uniforms should lose their distinctive qualities. A distinctive school uniform has manifold benefits, from promoting an invaluable sense of community within schools and aiding security and a sense of belonging, to improving attendance and general behavior.”

The guidance also suggests that schools should consider using lighter colours and reflective materials in uniforms to increase the visibility of children when walking or cycling to school, and that pupils should be prevented from wearing clothes that may encourage cliques or gangs from developing. The final school uniform guidance is available at www.teachernet.gov.uk.

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