New school uniform code allows male students from ninth grade onwards to keep beard

The new school uniform code for government schools, publicized by the Education Ministry, would allow male students from ninth grade onwards to keep their beards.

The Ministry issued the circular on the new school uniform code for government schools on Tuesday. According to the Ministry, the new school uniform code, which is set to take effect starting from the 2027 academic year, was formulated following extensive discussions with school managements.

The new uniform code sets forth new rules on beard and mustache grooming for male students in key stages four and five, now allowing them to keep facial hair, which was previously prohibited. These are students in grades between nine and 12.

However, the uniform code requires that their beards and mustaches be kept evenly trimmed.

Key changes in the new uniform code include requiring skirts to be worn with pants underneath, even for non-hijabi students, starting from grade four. However, they will have the option to keep the sleeves of their shirt long or short.

According to the Ministry, the changes were made to ensure parents have easy access to uniforms and to align colors with the national flag and ministry branding. 

However, the changes have triggered huge backlash.