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Written question asked by Rupert Lowe (Restore Britain) on Thursday, 11 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 June 2026. It was answered by Paul Waugh (Labour) on Friday, 7 August 2026 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Pupils: Sikhs

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether guidance is issued to schools on assessing the eligibility of pupils to wear kirpans on school premises.

Answer

Headteachers have my full support in ensuring schools are safe. Schools are advised by the department that decisions on uniform need to consider their individual circumstances, taking into account both religious freedom and pupil safety.

It should be possible for most religious requirements to be met within a uniform policy and many schools have arrangements in place to allow the wearing of kirpans alongside sensible safeguards, for example limiting their size and requiring them to be sheathed and further enclosed in a securely fastened cushioned pouch.

The department’s advice for schools on developing school uniform policies is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-uniform/school-uniforms. The government keeps all its guidance under regular review.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
9309
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Knives Pupils Sikhs
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk