School ditches traditional blazer, shirt and tie uniform for jacket and T-shirt after asking the PUPILS what changes they want
A school has bowed to pupils’ wishes by getting rid of the traditional uniform of blazer, shirt and tie and now allows children to wear jackets and T-shirts instead.
The changes will come into force at Alvaston Moor Academy in Derbyshire from this September, following consultations involving staff and parents.
School principals described the new clothes as more ‘practical’ than traditional clothes.
Year 7 students (those aged between 11 and 12) will now be the ones following the new approach.
The decision was made after the school consulted with students, asking them what changes they would like to see.
Uniforms accounted for a large portion of the responses from students who wanted more affordable and inclusive clothing.
Previously, school rules required all students to wear a blazer, tie, white formal shirt, black formal trousers or academy-style pleated skirt, black socks or tights and flat black shoes.
Headteacher Gemma Tyers said she believed the change would ‘increase attendance, participation and attainment’ overall.
Students at Alvaston Moor Academy have switched from traditional blazers, shirts and ties to t-shirts and jackets
Headteacher Gemma Tyers said she believed the change would “improve attendance, attendance and attainment”
The changes will come into force at Alvaston Moor Academy in Derbyshire from this September, following consultations involving staff and parents.
he said BBC News: ‘We listened to the community, we worked with them, we listened to them and we responded.
‘This was an extremely positive response to what they wanted.
‘It’s still branded, it still maintains a really open sense of community and our school identity.’
The new uniform will be compulsory for students starting in Year 7, while it will be optional for students already in school in Year 8 and above.
They will be given the option to upgrade to new clothing, but will not be forced to purchase the new clothing.
James Higham, chief executive of the Archway Learning Trust, which oversees the school, said: DerbyshireLive: ‘We are a values-based trust and collaboration is at the heart of everything we do, and proactively engaging with our parents and student community to make positive changes embodies our values and has a real impact on outcomes for our children.
‘Alvaston Moor Academy’s new uniform puts learning and community at the heart of its approach. ‘It removes barriers to learning and helps create a safe space so students can truly thrive.’
The school is one of a growing number of schools choosing to update their uniform policies.
The foundation claims that all students wearing trousers ‘promotes equality and inclusion’ and is ‘more practical for active learning and movement throughout the school day’. Picture: North Shore Academy, Stockton
Last year the Northern Education Trust, which runs six secondary schools on Teesside, opted to ban skirts and require all pupils to wear tailored trousers.
The foundation claimed that all students wearing trousers ‘promotes equality and inclusion’ and is ‘more practical for active learning and movement throughout the school day’.
However, the change was met with backlash from some parents who claimed they were not consulted.
A mother whose daughter goes to a school affiliated with the foundation said: ‘My daughter and many of her friends are disturbed by this situation.
‘Many girls choose to wear skirts to express their gender identity. This is a very ugly misogyny. There is nothing clear, modern or inclusive about this.’
The foundation said it had met with a ‘significant number of students’ to ask their opinions.
In a letter published online at four of Teesside secondary schools, the trust said: ‘From September 2026 the school uniform will no longer have a skirt option and all pupils will be expected to wear specially tailored school trousers.
‘This decision was taken following careful consideration and feedback from all stakeholders across the trust, which highlighted the benefits of a more practical, inclusive and consistent uniform policy.
‘The switch to trousers for all students promotes equality and inclusivity, ensuring all students feel comfortable and supported.
‘Trousers are also more practical for active learning and movement throughout the school day, and simplifying uniform requirements helps reduce costs for families.
‘We recognize this is a significant change, so we are providing more than a year’s notice to allow time for necessary adjustments to be made.’
