An Always Active Uniform is a simple but powerful change that supports young people’s health, confidence and access to physical activity. On this page, you'll find everything you need to explore the approach in your school - from real-life examples and research insights to practical steps and policy tips.
What is an Always Active Uniform?
A flexible, comfortable school uniform including active footwear designed to support spontaneous movement and daily activity throughout the school day.
Unlike traditional school uniforms, which can be restrictive and gendered, the Always Active Uniform removes barriers to PE and play by allowing children to stay ready for movement in lessons, at break, and beyond.
This approach is especially beneficial for:
- Increasing participation in physical activity
- Improving comfort and focus in class
- Supporting inclusion for girls and students with SEND
- Reducing costs for families by removing the need for multiple kits
See it in action
Watch the case study
Meet Dame Dorothy Primary School in Sunderland and hear how the uniform has transformed school culture and supported pupil wellbeing.
Read the full case study
Download the written case study for a step-by-step outline of how the school implemented the change and what they learned along the way.
Francesca Makey, lead orthotist at Sheffield Children's Hospital, argues that schools need to change their "outdated uniform policies" and believes that allowing pupils to wear trainers at school, instead of traditional leather shoes, would help guard against potential discomfort, foot pain, and even knee problems in later life.
Read more here.
Broadbent Fold Primary School in Dukinfield embraced the Always Active Uniform from September 2025, enabling pupils to wear comfortable, sport-ready attire all day. This eliminated the need for a separate PE kit. Introduced after consultations with students, parents, and governors, the switch has boosted teaching time, eased changing challenges (including for SEND and neurodiverse pupils), cut uniform costs, and reduced classroom distractions.
The decision to move to an Always Active Uniform was supported by Youth Sport Trust research through the Active Uniform Alliance and Made to Move campaign.
What does the research say?
In 2025, Youth Sport Trust research with YouGov found:
- 74% of parents support their child’s school introducing an Always Active Uniform in Primary Schools
- 69% of primary teachers believe that an always active uniform would enable students to spend more time being active during the school day
- Parents believe it would benefit education, development, and wellbeing
Practical steps for schools
Thinking of trialling an Always Active Uniform? Here's how others have approached it:
1. Consult your community
- Engage pupils, families, teachers and governors
- Share the research and example policies
2. Decide your uniform policy
- Agree on which items are branded vs unbranded
- Consider a phased or flexible approach (e.g. active kit worn on PE days)
3. Source your kit
- Choose a supplier who can offer branded options if needed
- Ensure affordability – consider using pupil premium or uniform grants to support access
4. Communicate the benefits
- Use assemblies, newsletters or parent briefings
- Gather feedback and celebrate early wins
Always Active Uniform Pilot
In September 2025, Harbinger Primary School will launch the first Always Active Uniform Pilot, powered by Sports Direct x Under Armour. As part of the pilot, every reception pupil will be gifted a full Active Uniform thanks to Under Armour, helping to remove barriers to movement and promote inclusion and confidence.
The pilot is also a live research project, with pupils wearing Moki Bands to monitor daily movement across the school day - we'll be able to demonstrate with real data that this simple change works.
Inclusive Sportswear
The Inclusive Sportswear Charter provides a practical framework for schools to ensure that all young people can feel comfortable, confident, and able to participate fully in PE and sport.
By embedding the Charter in school kit policies and practices, schools can help young people feel included, empowered, and motivated to stay active.
Need help or have a question?
Email us at [email protected] - we’re working with other schools and partners across the UK and would be happy to help.