The Department for Education has updated its guidance for PE kit, asking for schools to apply the same consideration to cost as they would for everyday items. Recent surveys have shown that inequality between boys and girls where PE kit has been concerned has negatively affected engagement with sport.

The guidelines stated that schools should avoid being overly specific in their kit requirements for different sports. Particularly keeping branded items to a minimum, where uniform or kit have consistently presented logos. The document also advises against the need to specify between different pairs of shorts for football and hockey, for example, stating that it may be appropriate to include shorts and tracksuit bottoms.

For schools looking to develop a new school uniform policy pertaining to PE kit, it’s worth considering the following:

• costs for parents or carers
• how the uniform can create a shared identity and a common sense of purpose
• what is required practically for sport
• your obligations under the Equality Act 2010
• safeguarding and health and safety considerations
• the wishes of parents and pupils

To find out more, see the guidelines here.