The Educator Magazine U.K. May-August issue - Magazine - Page 32
Always Active Uniforms promote daily movement in
schools, aiming to tackle current crises around childhood
inactivity, mental health, and enhancing academic learning.
The Youth Sport Trust has revealed the results of new research
which shows three-quarters of parents would support schools
adopting an Always Active Uniform policy to encourage more
active and healthier lifestyles for children. With National School
Sports Week 2025 fast approaching (16–22 June), this year’s
theme is ‘Always Active’, and the Youth Sport Trust is urging
schools across the UK to sign up and take part in a campaign
designed to get children moving throughout the day.
The concept behind the Always Active Uniform is simple but
transformative: a flexible, comfortable, and durable uniform
designed to encourage daily physical activity. Unlike traditional
school uniforms, which can be restrictive and inhibit
movement, the Always Active Uniform supports children in
embedding movement throughout the day, from PE lessons
to break time to active learning.
Key research findings:
• 74% of parents who have children aged 4 to 11 would support
their child’s school to have an Always Active Uniform policy.
• 67% of primary school teachers would support their school
adopting an Always Active Uniform policy.
• 63% of parents who have children aged 4 to 11 agree that
an Always Active Uniform policy would be beneficial for their
child’s education and development.1
The findings highlight an opportunity to rethink traditional
school policies and make daily movement a normal, accessible
part of every child’s education. Read the full report here.
Dame Dorothy Primary School Leads the Way with Always
Active Uniforms
One school already successfully trialling this approach is Dame
Dorothy Primary School in Sunderland. Since introducing an
Always Active Uniform, the school has experienced a significant
rise in participation in sports, and girls especially now feel more
comfortable and able to use all of the equipment.
Headteacher, Iain Williamson, said, “I think sometimes people
mistakenly see it as a lessening of standards or lowering of
expectations, but we see it as quite the opposite. Our standards
for our children are at the highest account. We want them to be
healthy, well-equipped children who are going to go
adulthood with positive attitudes towards food and exercise
that they will carry for the rest of their lives.”
With regards to parent outlook on the uniform change, he
added, “Feedback we have received from parents has been
very favourable and it's been something which has been well
received by the whole school community. For some of our
children with sensory needs parents have commented that
the feel of the uniform is actually more favourable than the
previous one.”
The Youth Sport Trust is encouraging schools to trial this
forward-thinking policy as part of National School Sports
Week 2025, powered by Sports Direct x Under Armour, to
support children in reaching the UK Chief Medical Officers’
recommendation of 60 active minutes a day. Schools, families
and organisations who sign up will gain access to free
resources, exclusive activity packs, and the chance to win
exciting prizes.
The Case for an Always Active Uniform
With children today facing numerous challenges when it comes
to staying active—such as an increase in sedentary activities,
restrictions on outdoor play, and a reduction in PE hours—an
active uniform could play a crucial role in addressing these
issues. A 2024 report from the University of Cambridge found
that school uniform policies could be restricting young people
from being active, particularly primary school-aged girls.
• Movement Throughout the Day: Comfortable and flexible
design that allows children to engage in spontaneous activity
between lessons.
• Brain Development and Learning: Physical activity enhances
cognitive function, mood regulation, and overall wellbeing,
improving focus and behaviour in the classroom
• Supporting SEND Students: A more flexible, comfortable
uniform that removes the need to change outfits helps reduce
barriers for SEND students, who often face greater challenges
accessing physical activity.
• Cost Considerations: Integrating activewear elements into
standard uniforms allows children to stay active without
needing a separate PE kit, reducing costs for families.2
