Education Minister: Mandatory school uniforms drive equality, safety, and improved educational standards

“Every model of the new school uniforms has successfully passed rigorous testing by an internationally accredited laboratory and fully satisfies all mandatory criteria and standards,” the Minister of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia, Givi Mikanadze, stated in a video address updating the public on the initiative.

According to the Minister, school uniforms will become compulsory for primary school pupils in state public schools starting from the 2026–2027 academic year.

“This decision serves to promote equality, pupil safety, the development of school culture, and the improvement of the learning environment. For us, it is paramount that the quality of these uniforms meets international standards and that affordability is fully guaranteed.

I want to inform the public that every single uniform design has successfully undergone and passed laboratory testing by SGS-CSTC Standards Technical Services Co., Ltd, an internationally accredited body. They fully comply with all established requirements and standards.

Crucially, test results confirm that the uniforms pose no risk to health, whilst the material is hard-wearing, practical, and engineered for daily active wear,” stated Givi Mikanadze.

The Minister noted that SGS-CSTC Standards Technical Services Co., Ltd is one of the world’s leading testing, inspection, and certification organisations.

“This is a Swiss company headquartered in Geneva, running over 2,500 laboratories across 115 countries worldwide.

As you know, a market tender was launched to procure these uniforms, and it was open to any company able to meet the specified requirements. Selection criteria included quality assurance, high-volume production capacity, timely delivery, and cost-efficiency.

However, market analysis revealed that domestic Georgian companies lacked the capacity to manufacture an order of this volume within the set timeframe. The contract was awarded to Glory Textile Industry, a Chinese company registered in Georgia. They subsequently engaged a brand in China that manufactures school uniforms for countries across Europe and Asia to manage production and supply to Georgia.

The Ministry’s ultimate goal remains to ensure that school uniforms are manufactured domestically right here in Georgia, and step by step, we will undoubtedly achieve this,” Mikanadze emphasised.

The Minister specified pricing for the uniform components: blazers are set at 45 GEL, whilst trousers and skirts will cost 25 GEL each. He also outlined which pupil categories will receive uniforms free of charge, as well as the exceptional circumstances under which exemptions apply.

“By decision of the Georgian Government, uniforms will be provided free of charge to primary pupils registered in the unified database of socially vulnerable families with a rating score below 65,001; children in state care; and pupils who are enrolled in Georgian state schools due to being unable to continue their general education in Ukrainian schools as a result of the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Should a pupil arrive at school without a uniform, the school will determine the reasons through open dialogue with the parents. If a child cannot wear the uniform due to a medical condition, the parent must submit a relevant medical certificate. In this case, the pupil will be exempt from the requirement and then be expected to follow the standard school dress code.

Each such case will be evaluated individually, keeping the child’s health and best interests at heart. If a parent cannot provide a valid reason for a pupil’s refusal to wear the uniform, the matter will be dealt with in accordance with the school’s behaviour policy.

I must reiterate that every case will be handled within the scope of active school rules and disciplinary procedures, guided by educational approaches and the best interests of the child,” stated Givi Mikanadze.

According to the Minister, purchasing options for first-graders will open from September 1, 2026.

“To ensure the uniform is easily accessible for every family, point-of-sale locations will be established across all municipalities in Georgia. Additionally, parents will be able to order required sizes and items online.

The delivery of uniforms from China to Georgia will take place in three phases: the first on August 25, the second on October 15, and the third on November 30. During the initial phase, sales for first-grade pupils will take place nationwide from 1st to 14th September. Consequently, first-graders will begin the 2026–2027 academic year in their new uniforms.

For pupils in school years 2 through 6, distribution will continue through the second and third phases between October and December.

Our core mission is to create a better environment in schools for our children. This is the exact purpose of the ongoing general education reform, and the introduction of school uniforms is a vital component of this broader vision. Step by step, we are building an educational landscape where the primary focus remains the pupil, their growth, and their future,” concluded Givi Mikanadze.