Purity Rings

Andrew Selous
To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what guidance he has issued to local education authorities on pupils wearing jewellery with religious significance, with particular reference to purity rings.

Jim Knight
School governing bodies determine school uniform policy and dress codes under powers conferred by the 1998 School Standards and Framework Act. The Department's guidance does not specifically mention jewellery with religious significance, but states that in deciding the format of their uniform, governors should have regard to their responsibilities under equalities legislation. It also states that in setting a policy, the school should be sensitive to pupil's cultural and religious needs and differences.