Broadbent Fold Primary makes bold move to active uniform for all pupils

Broadbent Fold Primary School and Nursery in Dukinfield has introduced a new “active uniform” this September - a move welcomed by pupils, parents, and staff alike.

Headteacher Catherine Parker shared that the school has officially transitioned to the new attire following careful consultation with parents, pupils, and governors.

The new uniform, designed to support a more physically active and inclusive school day, allows pupils to come to school dressed in comfortable, sport-friendly clothing, eliminating the need for a separate PE kit entirely.

Mrs Parker outlined a host of reasons behind the decision, many of which are rooted in improving the wellbeing and educational experience of every child: "This change means no more lost PE kits, no more wasted time getting changed, and greater comfort and flexibility for all pupils - especially those with additional needs."

Some of the key benefits of the new active uniform include:

• No separate PE kit needed, saving time and money.

• More teaching time, with no delays due to changing clothes.

• Greater comfort and flexibility for neurodiverse and SEND pupils.

• A solution to challenges around gendered changing spaces.

• A reduction in long-term uniform costs for families.

• Improved classroom space and fewer distractions.

• A boost to overall health, wellbeing, and academic outcomes.

The decision wasn’t made lightly. Broadbent Fold used evidence from the Youth Sport Trust to guide its new approach. The Trust’s Active Uniform Alliance and Made to Move campaign advocate for active uniforms in schools across the UK, citing improved physical health, mental wellbeing, and academic performance.

The voices of Broadbent Fold’s own pupils also played a crucial role. In partnership with Youth Sport Trust research, the school’s girls input revealed:

• 85% wanted to be more active during the school day.

• Top barriers to activity included concerns about appearance (26%), discomfort with mixed-gender participation (24%), and dislike of the PE kit (22%).

• 67% said they would prefer to wear a different school uniform and trainers all day to feel more comfortable and active.

The new term kicked off with pupils arriving in their fresh active uniforms, looking confident, ready, and excited.

"Pupils came into school today looking brilliant and I am so proud we have made this change," said Mrs Parker.

For more about the Youth Sport Trust’s Active Uniform campaign, visit: https://www.youthsporttrust.org/news-listings/news/youth-sport-trust-announced-as-founding-partners-of-active-uniform-alliance-and-made-to-move-campaign