---
title: "Humanists UK responds to Conservative pledge on compulsory hijab in schools"
date: "2026-10-08T14:58:46+01:00"
modified: "2026-10-08T15:06:54+01:00"
url: "https://humanists.uk/2026/10/08/humanists-uk-responds-to-conservative-pledge-on-compulsory-hijab-in-schools/"
post_id: 199619
categories: ["Education", "News"]
---

# Humanists UK responds to Conservative pledge on compulsory hijab in schools

![](https://i0.wp.com/humanists.uk/wp-content/uploads/iStock-1126024407.jpg?resize=1200%2C675&ssl=1)The Conservative Party has [pledged at its party conference](https://www.tes.com/magazine/news/general/conservatives-plan-teacher-impartiality-training-amid-brainwashing-fears) to guarantee that children in state-funded schools, including faith schools, will no longer be made to comply with religious dress codes as part of school uniform policies.

Humanists UK has welcomed these comments in recognition of children’s human rights, in line with the Human Rights Act and the UN Convention on the [Rights of the Child](https://humanists.uk/campaigns/childrens-rights/). It has said the law should equally protect a child’s right to wear, or to refuse to wear, a religious dress code or accessory such as a headscarf or a crucifix.

Separately, Humanists UK has made separate comments about other aspects of the Conservatives’ announcements [on protecting ‘impartiality’ in schools](https://humanists.uk/2026/10/08/conservative-plans-on-citizenship-and-impartiality-raise-concerns-for-fact-based-education/).

#### **Background on the case**

The pledge follows the row over [Barnet Hill Academy](https://humanists.uk/2026/09/16/humanists-uk-commends-education-secretary-schools-must-not-force-girls-to-wear-hijab/), an Islamic faith school in north London which joined the state sector in September as a voluntary aided school, and whose published uniform policy requires girls it regards as Muslim to wear a white hijab from Year 3. Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott raised the case in the House of Commons and referred the school and Barnet Council to the Equality and Human Rights Commission. Education Secretary Lucy Powell affirmed that it was not acceptable for a school to require young girls to wear a hijab as part of their uniform.

Trott’s conference ‘pledge to parents’ also commits a Conservative government to enforcing political impartiality rules on teachers and to banning ‘culture’ or ‘identity’ days in schools – wider proposals on which Humanists UK has [separately raised concerns](https://humanists.uk/2026/10/08/conservative-plans-on-citizenship-and-impartiality-raise-concerns-for-fact-based-education/).

#### **Right belongs to the child, not parent schools**

We support the right to freedom of religion or belief for everyone, including children, and the UK’s commitment to uphold the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Every child, including children in faith schools, should have the right *not* to wear religious dress including for children whose parents are religious. The right is the child’s own, and neither a school nor a parent can waive it on the child’s behalf.

Many callers to our Faith to Faithless helpline service over the years have reported stories about their distress and trauma due to being forced to wear religious clothing.

#### **Richy Thompson, Director of Human Rights and Advocacy, said:**

> ‘No child should be made to wear religious dress by their school. The Supreme Court made clear last year that schools cannot impose religious practice on children or rely solely on a right to “opt out” in the case of worship in school assemblies. We reaffirm our calls to the UK, Welsh, Scottish, and Northern Ireland governments to go one step further and abolish our archaic laws that require compulsory acts of religious worship in state-funded schools.’

#### Notes

For further comment or information, media should contact Humanists UK Head of Press and Campaign Communications Nathan Stilwell at <press@humanists.uk> or phone 0203 675 0959 (media only).

Read our earlier news item: [Humanists UK commends Education Secretary: schools must not force girls to wear hijab](https://humanists.uk/2026/09/16/humanists-uk-commends-education-secretary-schools-must-not-force-girls-to-wear-hijab/).

Read our companion news item on the [Conservatives’ wider education proposals](https://humanists.uk/2026/10/08/conservative-plans-on-citizenship-and-impartiality-raise-concerns-for-fact-based-education/).

Read more about our work on [children’s rights](https://humanists.uk/campaigns/childrens-rights/), [freedom of religion or belief](https://humanists.uk/campaigns/policy-unit/freedom-of-religion-or-belief/), and [collective worship in schools](https://humanists.uk/campaigns/policy-unit/religious-worship-in-schools/).

Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by over 150,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.