A school has bowed to pupils’ wishes by getting rid of its traditional uniform of blazer, shirt and tie – and is now letting children wear jackets and T-shirts instead.
The changes will come into force at Alvaston Moor Academy in Derbyshire from this September onwards, following consultation that also involved staff and parents.
School chiefs described the new outfits as more ‘practical’ than the traditional kind.
Year 7 pupils – those aged 11 and 12 – will be those now following the new approach.
The decision was made after the school ran a consultation with students, asking them what changes they would like to see.
Uniforms were a big part of the responses from the pupils, who called for more affordable and inclusive outfits.
Previously the schools rules stipulated that all students had to wear a blazer, tie, a white formal shirt, black formal trousers or an academy-style pleated skirt, black socks or tights and plain black shoes.
The school’s principal Gemma Tyers said she believes the change will ‘boost attendance, engagement and achievement’ across the board.
Alvaston Moor Academy pupils have switched from the traditional blazer, shirt and ties to a t-shirt and jacket
The school’s principal Gemma Tyers said she believes the change will ‘boost attendance, engagement and achievement’
The changes will come into force at Alvaston Moor Academy in Derbyshire from this September onwards, following consultation that also involved staff and parents
She told BBC News: ‘We listened to the community, we worked with them, we listened to them and responded.
‘This was the overwhelming positive response in what they wanted.
‘It’s still branded, it’s still a really clear sense of community and it maintains our school identity.’
While the new uniform will be compulsory for pupils starting in Year 7, it will be optional for those already at the school in Year 8 and above.
They will be given the option to switch to the new garments but will not be forced to purchase the new items of clothing.
James Higham, chief executive at Archway Learning Trust, which oversees the school, told DerbyshireLive: ‘We are a values-led trust, and collaboration is at the heart of all we do, and proactively engaging with our parent and student body to make positive changes embodies our values and has a real impact on outcomes for our children.
‘Alvaston Moor Academy’s new uniform places learning and community at the heart of its approach. It removes barriers to learning and helps create a safe space for students to truly thrive.’
The school is one of a growing number that have chosen to update their uniform policies.
The trust claims that all students wearing trousers ‘promotes equality and inclusivity’ and is ‘more practical for active learning and movement throughout the school day’.Pictured: North Shore Academy, Stockton
Last year the Northern Education Trust – which operates six secondary schools on Teesside – chose to ban skirts and force all pupils to wear tailored trousers.
The trust claimed that all students wearing trousers ‘promotes equality and inclusivity’ and is ‘more practical for active learning and movement throughout the school day’.
However, the change was met with backlash from some parents, who claim they were not consulted.
One mother, whose daughter attends a school within the trust, said: ‘My daughter and many of her friends are upset about it.
‘Many girls choose to wear skirts to express their gender identities. It is outrageous misogyny. There’s nothing open, modern and inclusive about this.’
The trust says it spoke with a ‘significant number of students’ to ask their opinion.
In a letter published online across four of its Teesside secondary schools, the trust said: ‘From September 2026, the school uniform will no longer include skirts as an option, and all students will be expected to wear tailored school trousers.
‘This decision has been made following careful consideration and feedback from all stakeholders across the trust, where it highlighted the benefits of a more practical, inclusive, and consistent uniform policy.
‘The move 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, while simplifying uniform requirements helps reduce costs for families.
‘We understand that this is a significant change, which is why we are providing over a year’s notice to allow time for any necessary adjustments.’