Custom School Sportswear Boosts Pupil Performance

Something’s changing in UK primary schools. Walk past the gates of Dame Dorothy Primary School in Sunderland or Broadbent Fold Primary in Cheshire, and you won’t see blazers, ties, or stiff pinafores. You’ll see children in hoodies, performance tees, and leggings, running straight into classrooms, ready to learn.

These schools have ditched traditional uniforms for pe kit styled sportswear worn all day, every day. And the results? Better academic focus. Higher attendance. Calmer mornings. Improved wellbeing across the board. It’s not just a uniform change, it’s a complete rethink of how we dress children for learning.

At My Club Group, we design and supply custom school sportswear built for exactly this shift. Affordable, durable kits that fit primary-age children properly and support the way modern schools want kids to move, play, and thrive.

The Rise of “Always Active” School Uniforms in the UK

A recent article in The Times by Georgia Lambert put the spotlight on a movement that’s been building quietly across the country. Primary schools are swapping traditional uniforms for what’s being called “always active” kit, sportswear designed for the whole school day, not just PE lessons and sports day events.

The concept is simple. Students wear performance-focused clothing, hoodies, breathable t-shirts, leggings, joggers, and shorts, from the beginning of the day to home time. In summer or winter, rain or shine. No separate pe kit to forget. No changing time lost. Just kids dressed to move.

The Covid period helped accelerate this. When schools stayed open during lockdowns, many asked children to arrive in PE kit to reduce contact and simplify routines. Dame Dorothy Primary, which remained open throughout, partnered with the Youth Sport Trust to make this temporary measure permanent. Two years on, head teacher Iain Williamson says the active uniform “was the final piece of the jigsaw” in their commitment to keeping pupils moving.

The Active Uniform Alliance, co-founded by the Youth Sport Trust, is now calling for every primary school in the UK to adopt this approach. And teachers seem ready. YouGov polling of more than 1,000 primary teachers found that 67% would support an always-active uniform policy at their school.

Academic, Wellbeing and Behaviour Benefits

Let’s get to the points that matter most to head teachers and parents: does this actually work?

The schools leading this change say yes. Dame Dorothy Primary reports improved academic attainment since adopting active uniforms. Williamson notes that children arrive ready to run, burn off energy during activities, and then settle more quickly to focused learning. The school has seen improved attendance, and crucially, no cases of emotionally based school non-attendance since the switch.

Ali Oliver, Chief Executive of the Youth Sport Trust, puts it plainly: “Physical activity and active learning are incredibly important parts of children’s physical, emotional, cognitive and social development, particularly at primary school age.”

At Broadbent Fold Primary, head teacher Catherine Parker has seen calmer mornings transform the start of the school day. Fewer arguments at the gate. Fewer anxious children needing support. Pupils run into school rather than dragging their feet.

“I’m on the gate every day,” Parker explains, “and it’s reduced the number of children I have to support coming into school. They’re not arguing with their families; instead, they are running into school straight into the classroom.”

When children are comfortable in what they’re wearing, they’re happy to move. And when they move, they learn better. It’s that simple.

Movement, Confidence and Inclusivity

Traditional uniforms can hold children back. Stiff shirts. Tight waistbands. Skirts that make cartwheels feel risky. For too long, what children wear to school has been designed for appearance, not for the way kids actually spend their days, playing, running, climbing, and participating in games.

A Cambridge University study published in 2023 analysed data from more than one million pupils aged 5 to 17 across 135 countries. The findings were clear: in places where formal school uniforms are widely required, fewer children meet the World Health Organisation’s recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity.

Dr Esther van Sluijs, the study’s senior author, highlighted how this particularly affects girls. They “might feel less confident doing things like cartwheels or riding a bike on a windy day if they are wearing a skirt or dress,” she noted. Social norms and expectations shape what girls feel they can do in their clothing.

Iain Williamson at Dame Dorothy doesn’t hold back: “I don’t believe most schools dress girls fairly. But if you put them in leggings, all of a sudden, they have the freedom to do whatever they want. That’s one of the biggest differences I’ve seen in older girls, their engagement has increased because they feel comfortable in their clothing.”

The benefits extend beyond sport and movement. Schools report that active uniforms have improved inclusivity for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities. Soft, stretchy fabrics with no stiff collars, tight ties, or scratchy materials make the school day more comfortable for children with sensory sensitivities.

For transgender and non-binary pupils, gender-neutral sportswear removes the awkwardness of segregated changing arrangements. At Broadbent Fold, the policy has been particularly welcomed by these students and their families.

When every child can move freely, regardless of gender, body type, or additional needs, everyone can bring their best to the school day.

Affordability and Practicality for Families

Here’s a number that should stop any parent in their tracks: traditional primary school uniforms can cost over £300 per child when schools require ten or more branded items.

One in three parents say they struggle at least occasionally to afford school uniforms. The government’s Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, currently in the House of Lords, aims to restrict the number of compulsory branded items schools can require.

Active uniforms offer a different path. Dame Dorothy’s core kit costs under £50 per pupil.

The practical wins for parents are just as important. These garments wash and dry quickly. No ironing required. Layer up in winter, strip back in summer, the kit works in all weather depending on the season.

As Williamson puts it: “It’s easy to dry, doesn’t need ironing, which parents are very grateful for. No one stands out, everybody is included, and they look smart.”

That last point matters. Snug, well-fitted sportswear in school colours looks sharp and unified. This isn’t about lowering standards, it’s about raising them in a way that actually works for families.

What an Active School Sportswear Kit Looks Like

So what does a modern primary active uniform actually include? Picture this: a child arrives at school in a lightweight, moisture-wicking performance t-shirt in the school’s house colours. Over the top, a quarter-zip mid-layer with the school crest on the chest, warm enough for a cold morning, easy to remove when they run.

On the bottom, stretchy joggers or leggings with an elasticated waistband. No fiddly buttons or zips. In warmer months, breathable shorts take their place. Supportive trainers complete the look, and schools often provide guidance on shoe size and style to ensure safety during activities.

The fabrics do the hard work. Moisture-wicking polyester blends keep kids comfortable during playtime. Brushed fleece linings add warmth without bulk. Mesh panels provide airflow when games get intense. These aren’t just casual clothes, they’re designed for the way children actually move.

Design principles matter too. Gender-neutral fits and colours work for all bodies. Cuts are modest and suitable for running, climbing, and even discus or basketball during sports day events. No loose ties to catch on apparatus. No hard metal fastenings near arms or legs.

Schools typically customise with their colours on shoulders or side panels, a small crest at the chest, and optional initials. The range of options means each school can maintain its identity while shifting to a more practical approach.

How My Club Group Supports Schools Moving to Active Uniforms

At My Club Group, we specialise in custom sportswear for teams, clubs, and schools across the UK. We’ve worked with grassroots football clubs, universities, and now an increasing number of primary schools looking to make the switch to active uniforms.

We help schools design the complete kit, from everyday pe kit style wear to specific garments for football, netball, athletics, and multi-sport events. Whether you need a simple run of performance tees or a full uniform overhaul, we’ve got the process covered.

Our free online kit builder lets schools pick colours, add crests, and visualise designs before placing an order. No guesswork. No surprises. You see exactly what you’re getting.

Already have established school colours? We can match or modernise them to maintain your identity while shifting to a sportswear-based style. Account managers work directly with school business managers or governors to ensure everything runs smoothly from first contact to delivery.

Sizing for children across ages from Reception to Year 6 needs to be right. We provide detailed size guides and sample sets so schools can check the right fit for their students. Whether it’s junior sizes or adult ranges for older staff, we’ve got the tape measures ready.

Custom Design Options for Primary School Sportswear and PE Kit

When it comes to customisation, schools have plenty of choices. Colour blocking allows different panels, shoulders, sides, cuffs to feature contrasting school colours. Collar styles, trim details, and crest placement can all be tailored to create a unique look.

The garment range covers everything a school might need:

• Performance t-shirts and polos
• Quarter-zip mid-layers and hoodies
• Leggings and joggers
• Skorts and shorts
• Rain jackets and gilets

All tailored to Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 proportions. These aren’t scaled-down adult sizes, they’re designed for how children’s bodies actually move.

Inclusive sizing is a priority. Unisex cuts work for all pupils. Schools with high numbers of SEND students can request adjustments for sensory sensitivities or individual fit requirements. From small to large and everything between, every child should feel comfortable and included.

The aim is simple: create sportswear that looks unified, feels perfect, and lets every student train, play, and learn without restriction.

Sustainability and Durability in Kids’ Custom Sportswear

Primary school uniforms take a beating. Playground mud. Grass stains. Paint from art lessons. Frequent washing cycles. Any kit that can’t hold up to this reality isn’t worth the investment.

That’s why durability sits at the heart of what we produce. Reinforced stitching on high-stress seams. Colourfast prints that don’t fade after the twentieth wash. Fabrics that maintain their performance even after months of daily wear.

Sustainability matters too. Longer-lasting garments mean fewer replacements and less waste. When one versatile active uniform replaces separate PE sets, formal uniforms, and multiple branded items, the overall environmental impact drops significantly.

We focus on efficient production runs to reduce waste from unused stock. Where possible, we’re exploring more sustainable fabric options that meet the highest standards for both performance and environmental responsibility.

For schools, this translates to better value. For the planet, it means less clothing ending up in landfill. For parents, it’s one less thing to worry about when June rolls around and the uniform still looks as good as it did in September.

Ordering School Sportswear with My Club Group

Getting started is straightforward. Here’s how the process works:

Step 1: Initial Consultation We discuss your school’s needs, existing colours, and design preferences. Whether you’re a medium-sized primary or a large multi-form entry school, we tailor the approach to your situation.

Step 2: Design Phase Use our online kit builder to create your designs, or work with our team to develop something from scratch. You’ll see mockups before anything goes into production.

Step 3: Sampling (if required) For schools wanting to check fit and fabric before committing, we can provide samples. This is particularly useful for SEND-focused sizing or when introducing an entirely new uniform policy.

Step 4: Final Approval and Production Once you’re happy with the design, we move to production. Our minimum order quantity is just 5 items for your first order, manageable even for smaller schools or trial runs.

Step 5: Re-orders and Top-ups New starters in October? Replacement kit needed mid-year? No problem. We handle re-orders, so you can place orders for individual students as needed.

Throughout the process, our account managers liaise with whoever you choose, whether that’s the head, the business manager, or the governing body. We provide size guides for children and support at every stage.

Ready to start? Contact My Club Group for a quote or head to our website to begin designing your active uniform online.

Conclusion: The Future of Primary School Uniforms

PE-style, always-active uniforms aren’t a niche experiment anymore. They’re backed by research from Cambridge University, endorsed by the Youth Sport Trust, and delivering real results in schools like Dame Dorothy and Broadbent Fold.

The benefits stack up. Better movement and confidence. Improved attendance and wellbeing. Genuine inclusivity for pupils with SEND, sensory sensitivities, and diverse gender identities. Lower costs for families. Easier mornings for everyone.

As Pepe Di’Iasio from the Association of School and College Leaders notes, this approach “reflects wider thinking about how we encourage active lifestyles which support health and wellbeing.” More schools will consider it when they next review their uniform policies.

At My Club Group, we’re ready to partner with schools making this change. From the initial concept to full roll-out, we help you design custom sportswear that fits your identity, your budget, and your students. Affordable prices. Dedicated support. Kit that lets every child win at being active.

The world of school uniforms is changing. Be part of it. Start designing your active uniform today.