A Derbyshire school has introduced a new uniform in response to community voice.
Following an extensive consultation with students, parents, and staff, Alvaston Moor Academy, part of Archway Learning Trust, has adopted a streamlined uniform for children aimed at boosting attendance and improving learning – all while continuing to foster a sense of community.
From the start of the 2026/27 academic year, students enrolling in Year 7 will wear a polo shirt and smart all-weather jacket with the academy logo, instead of the current blazer, shirt and tie. The new uniform will provide students with more practical, comfortable and versatile clothing.
For example, the jacket can be used both in school and for general use. It also better suits the needs of pupils with sensory needs. The move reflects Alvaston Moor Academy’s commitment to creating a progressive learning environment, that best reflects the hybrid working world and changing professional dress code
Gemma Tyers, Principal of Alvaston Moor Academy, said: “We’re consistently looking for ways to better our school environment for all our students and foster a place where children are comfortable, engaged and ready to learn.
“We pride ourselves on creating a community that extends further than the classroom, so consulting students and their parents on how we can support them is a key part of our school ethos and approach. We’ve listened to what they had to say and taken action – all while continuing to support inclusion and retaining our school identity.
“Our new uniform is more accessible, more affordable, inclusive, and multi-purpose, and most importantly reflects what our students want and need from their school experience. We anticipate these changes will boost attendance, engagement and achievement for students across the board.”
While the uniform will be compulsory for students starting in Year 7, students heading into Year 8 and upwards will be given the option to switch to the new all-weather jacket and polo shirt, but purchasing the items will not be mandatory.
James Higham, CEO at Archway Learning Trust, added: “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.”
Archway Learning Trust is a Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) with 11 academies across Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, Derby and Derbyshire. It is Nottingham’s biggest Secondary MAT, educating one third of Nottingham’s children.