Kirpans at Schools

Kirpans can be worn by Amritdhari (initiated) Sikhs in Australian schools. Each state and territory has its own law with respect to the carriage / wearing of the Kirpan. All allow for the wearing of the Kirpan in schools. Some states have education department policies that outline some conditions to the wearing of the Kirpan by a Sikh student. For example, NSW Education Department has created a policy to apply some conditions to the carriage of the Kirpan in NSW schools.

Table: Summary of Australian Kirpans in School laws - States and Territories Comparison

Y (C) = Yes with conditions

Children of high school age may go through the Amrit Sanchaar ceremony to become Amritdhari (initiated).

Children of primary school age may also be initiated however this is less likely to occur due to initiates being required to have the maturity to understand and uphold the code of conduct. Sikhs who do not display this maturity can have initiation refused.

Safety is a priority for Sikh parents just as much as any other parent of children attending school. Sikh parents do not wish to create an environment in which their child or another child could be put at risk through the wearing of a Kirpan.

Kirpans do not generally present any risk that requires mitigation on the school premises. This is primarily due to the fact that Kirpans worn in schools are generally:

  • blunt (sheathed and unsheathed)

  • worn underneath clothing in a Gatra (sling) that keeps the Kirpan secure and against the body

  • relatively inaccessible without the removal of clothing.

For perspective, common items found within the classroom such as scissors, metal rulers, compasses etc are generally sharper and more accessible than Kirpans worn by Sikhs in schools.

It is unlikely that the Kirpan will create a circumstance where a safety risk is identified with respect to the Sikh student, other students, teachers or parents.

Handling and storage of Kirpans

In some instances, such as during sports, swimming carnivals, or during certain lessons, for the safety of the student and/or others, storage of the Kirpan during the activity may be agreed on between the student/family and the school.

Storage of the Kirpan should be discussed with the student and/or their family prior to the activity, lesson, or event; and should include agreement on how, when and who can remove and store the Kirpan.

If the Kirpan is removed due to concerns for safety during an event or school activity, the Kirpan should either:

  • be given to a member of staff for safe keeping with the staff member, and collected after the activity is over; or

  • be placed in a safe location as agreed by the school and student/parents (e.g. an office within the school, a cabinet, a drawer, or other safe and respectful receptacle in the school reception) and collected by the student following the activity.

Kirpans in NSW schools:

An Amritdhari (initiated) Sikh student may wear a Kirpan at a NSW school provided:

  • it is of a small size, full length of 16.5cm (around 6.5 inches) or less, with no sharp edges or points;

  • the blade is secured within the sheath so that it cannot be withdrawn, and

  • it is worn under clothes and secured so it cannot be used; and

  • it is removed and safely stored, or secured against the body, when undertaking physical activity such as sport; Note: “secured against the body” means wrapped in sturdy fabric and secured within a sports band or leather belt that ensures it cannot slip out or cause injury to the wearer or another person and

  • when reasonably asked the student must verify that these guidelines are being complied with. Any safety concerns will be discussed with the student and their parents or carers.

A Kirpan will be blunt if does not have any sharp edges or point and it will be secured if it is in a sheath and sewn into the gatra (a strap normally made from cloth and worn across the body).
If a student does not comply with the above rules, their parents or carers must be notified and disciplinary action considered, consistent with the department’s student discipline policies.

For further information please read the NSW Education Department ‘Knives in schools, legal issues bulletin 22, LIB22’.

Kirpans in QLD schools:

Following the decision in Athwal v State of Queensland [2023] QCA 156 Kirpans can now be worn by Amritdhari (initiated) Sikhs in QLD schools.

Kirpans in WA schools:

Kirpans are generally allowed in WA schools. Usually the family / Sikh community has to work with the individual school and principal to provide some education and ensure compliance with any uniform and work health safety policies that may be in place. Exemptions to certain rules may be required as well. See note contained in the following document Department of Education WA on Carriage of Kirpan's in Schools

Images of domr Kirpans worn in Australian schools

Australian States and Territories law regarding the Kirpan: