03.08.2025 18:41
The Presidency of Communication announced that the free dress policy in schools, which has often been criticized by parents, will come to an end starting from the 2025-2026 academic year, and that a uniform policy will be implemented instead.
The decision to end the free dress code in schools has been reported to be welcomed by citizens.
RETURNING TO UNIFORM APPLICATION IN SCHOOLS
In a statement from the Presidency's Communication Directorate, it was reminded that starting from the 2025-2026 academic year, the uniform (school clothing) application will be reintroduced in schools.
According to the statement, the Ministry of National Education's decision to end the free dress code was welcomed by citizens, and parents who called and applied to the Presidential Communication Center (CİMER) expressed their gratitude to the Minister of National Education, Yusuf Tekin, for the decision.
SCHOOL UNIFORMS WILL BE ECONOMICAL, SIMPLE, AND PRACTICAL
Accordingly, school clothing will be economical, simple, practical, easily accessible, and in accordance with pedagogical principles; special clothing that imposes a financial burden on parents cannot be required. Students who need special clothing due to health reasons will be able to wear appropriate clothing.
SCHOOL-FAMILY UNIONS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO SELL UNIFORMS
School-family unions will not be able to sell clothing or make recommendations that would hinder free competition. Clothing that would impose additional costs on parents during special days and events will not be mandatory, and appropriate work clothing may be used in environments such as workshops and laboratories with school approval.
Moreover, each school will determine its own clothing to be healthy, comfortable, and durable. Cotton/wool materials will be used, and the clothing will not restrict the development of students. To avoid additional financial burdens on parents, school uniforms will be used for at least 4 years without change. Ready-made symbols such as badges and emblems will not be used, and parents will be able to shop from wherever they wish.
The implementation is thought to contribute to student health, school culture, and the educational environment.
THANKS FROM PARENTS
The statement included some of the thank-you messages from citizens who reached out to CİMER.
One citizen stated, "The decision for a uniform dress code in schools is a correct decision. Families were struggling to buy different clothes in a free dress code." Another citizen expressed, "Hearing about Mr. Yusuf Tekin's decision to return to uniforms in schools made me happy as a teacher. Competitions could even be organized for different designs in primary, secondary, and high schools."
In another message, it was conveyed, "The free dress code in schools is ending, and we are returning to uniforms! I read the news from the press. Minister, I completely agree. Personally, I support the uniform system. Because free dress creates a significant inequality among children. Your decision to return to uniforms is very appropriate; thank you."
Another message stated, "Minister of National Education Prof. Dr. Yusuf Tekin, your announcement today made me very happy as a parent. I welcome our children receiving education in schools with uniforms. The free dress period created comparisons, competition, and psychological pressure among children. There will now be order and equality in our schools again. Thank you for this decision, and congratulations to you and your team."