North West Academies Trust to provide free school uniforms

Students at North West Academy Trust schools - including Rudheath Senior Academy, Weaverham Primary Academy, The Delamere C of E Academy, Calveley Primary Academy, and Oak View Academy - who already receive the pupil premium are now entitled to one free uniform per year throughout their whole time at school.  

According to data published in 2022 by the Schoolwear Association, despite statutory guidance on uniform costs from the government, the typical spend on a secondary school uniform in the UK, including compulsory sportswear, is £109.19.

The Trust plans to absorb this cost for around 500 children and their families, but even with their uniform supplier agreeing to provide these at cost price, they expect the bill to be around £50,000 per year.   

Felling good about yourself starts with the clothes you wear (Image: North West Academies Trust)

North West Academy Trust CEO, Steve Docking, who was recently given an OBE for services to education, says its schools are passionate about giving all children equal opportunities to thrive, regardless of their circumstances. 

He said: “School uniform is an important part of school life, as it helps create equality. Feeling good about yourself starts with the clothes you wear. 

“However, I see a growing divide between children who can afford new school uniform, and those who cannot. 

“Our aim is to make sure no child ever loses confidence, or feels different to their peers, due to issues they cannot control. 

“That’s why we are now pledging any pupil who attends one of our schools, whose family is in receipt of pupil premium, will receive one free new school uniform each year. 

“Our providers have agreed to supply the uniforms at cost, and we estimate we’ll need £50,000 to provide free school uniforms to those children, each year. I’m confident we can reach that target.” 

The cost will be met by the Trust’s Bursary Fund, though they expect ongoing fundraising will be needed to ensure it continues.  

Anyone can support NWAT’s free school uniform campaign with a one-off donation, or a small monthly contribution, by visiting Donate To Our Schools - North West Academies Trust. 

Steve added: “Our Bursary Fund is an important part of how we support our pupils, particularly at a time when life feels more expensive than ever.

“Our schools use budgets wisely to ensure children receive a great education, are well fed, and take part in as many visits and opportunities as we can afford.”