New uniform rules require long pants from Grade 4

The Ministry of Education has introduced new school uniform regulations requiring girls in Grade 4 and above to wear long trousers.

The Ministry stated that the decision was made to standardise uniforms across all schools in the Maldives. Uniform designs have been issued to schools.

Under the new rules, students from Key Stage 2 (Grade 4 and above) must wear long trousers as part of their uniform. Two options are available for students who wear the head scarf and those who do not.

For girls who do not wear the head scarf, the uniform includes long trousers with a skirt worn over them. Their shirt sleeves may be short or long. Girls who wear the head scarf may choose to wear a skirt or not. The skirt, if worn, must extend two inches below the knee. If no skirt is worn, the top shirt may not be baggy, and the shirt length must extend 2–4 inches below the waistline.

The uniform for students in Key Stage 1, including Foundation Stage, LKG–UKG and Grades 1–3, remains unchanged. However, these students may choose whether to wear long trousers.

For boys, Key Stage 3–5 students may wear ties at the discretion of the school. Students above those stages must wear ties, while Key Stage 2 students are not required to. All students may choose between long or short sleeves.

Uniform colours include white, light red, blue or teal green. Head scarves, shirts and skirts must be black or navy blue.

Students who wear the head scarf may choose head scarves in the uniform colour in a lighter shade, or in navy blue, royal green, dark red or white. Schools will finalise the colour options.

The Ministry said the regulation was developed in consultation with school administrations and will take effect in 2027 to allow adequate preparation time.