School swapping shirts and ties for tracksuits and trainers

Would you prefer a uniform like this to what you wear to school?

What's the uniform like at your school? For some it's shirts and ties, for others sweaters and t-shirts - and in this secondary school, it's PE kit all the time.

One school in Shropshire has been trying out the new uniform and plans to introduce it to new pupils in September.

Students will be told to wear school-branded navy blue tracksuits and trainers.

To try and make sure there aren't too many extra costs for pupils already at the school who already have a uniform, it will just mean wearing and stocking up on the school PE kit they already have.

They aren't the first school to do something like this either - a school in Bristol also introduced an 'active uniform' last year.

The school's headteacher Ruth Shaw said she hoped the move would encourage more sport and outdoor education.

"I really object to the idea that what you wear is key to your learning experience," she said. "I just do not believe that wearing a shirt and tie means that you will learn better."

Teachers also seem happy with the change.

Acting head of PE Mr Parkes has argued that pupils having to change from uniform into PE kit beforehand had been "eating into [lesson] time" - but added they would be given time to change into fresh clothes after playing sport.

What do pupils and parents think?

Headteacher Ruth Shaw said it would cost more for some parents but that the school was working with suppliers to "try bring and bring the price of the uniform down".

It seems lots of pupils and parents are happy about the change.

Year 8 pupil Hugo said the new uniform was "quite inclusive, with it all being the same", while Louis, who is 14, said the new uniform felt "a lot comfier".

Millie-Jane, 13, agreed, saying: "It's really smart and more modern."

Parent Sian said her two children were "really happy" with the change, particularly her daughter, who struggles with sensory issues and so likes wearing more comfortable clothes to school.

The school has said for some parents it will mean spending more money on uniform, as although the PE kit is something all pupils would already have, they might end up buying more to be able to wear them everyday.

Head Ruth Shaw said: "I'm under no illusion that there are some families who [will] have to invest heavily in this."

"We are working with suppliers to try and bring the price of the uniform down."

What kind of uniform do you prefer?

We want to know what you think - vote and share your thoughts in the comments below.