You can find an audio version of this letter here www.leeds.coopacademies.co.uk/latest-updates/audio

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Dear Parents and Carers, 

We’re pleased to share an important update about uniforms. New national legislation, introduced through the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, requires schools to reduce branded items and lower costs. We fully support this, and wanted to let you know as soon as possible that changes are coming to our uniforms which will be in place by September 2026. 

In this new policy we are reducing branded items across our Trust, and your new uniform will be as follows:

Our New Uniform

Academy Uniform

Black Academy Logo V-Neck Jumper

Academy Tie

Traditional white shirt with a collar 

Plain black tailored trousers

Plain black shoes

If you wear a headscarf or headband, it must also be plain black

PE Uniform

Black Academy logo PE Multi-top

Black Academy logo PE T-Shirt

Plain black tracksuit bottoms or plain black shorts

Trainers

 

What does this mean for you? 

Any items no longer in the new uniform policy do not need to be replaced before September 2026 if your child wears them out or outgrows them in this time. We expect all children to adhere to the new policy from September 2026. 

As part of Co-op Academies Trust, we are working together to have a single supplier across all schools, this supplier will hopefully be in place by September 2027. The goal of this project is to further reduce costs for our families. We will be in touch with details when we have them. 

Trousers

We are introducing a single school uniform for all students in our Secondary Schools. This means that all students will wear trousers at school. This has been informed by research showing that traditional, uniform options, particularly skirts and dresses, can limit pupils’ comfort, confidence, and participation in school life (Dr Mairead Ryan, 2024; Dr Alice Porter, 2025). More practical options, such as trousers, support active learning and are better suited to the full range of school activities, including practical subjects like science, construction, and engineering, as well as everyday movement around the school.

We are also mindful that items such as pinafores and tights can increase costs for families due to frequent replacement (The Children’s Society, 2023). As a trust committed to equality and inclusion, we believe a more flexible uniform could help ensure all students feel comfortable and able to fully engage in school life. We value your feedback and invite you to share your views in the upcoming Edurio survey. 

Please ensure your child is wearing plain black tailored trousers from September 2026, sports or stretch fabric will not be acceptable for any child under the new uniform policy. Find further details on your academy website. 

Specific guidance will be on your academy’s website by the Easter Holidays. Please reference this. 

Many Thanks 

Co-op Academies Trust

www.leeds.coopacademies.co.uk/uniform