Introducing the Made to Move campaign
Let's redefine school uniforms for our children
Our vision is simple yet powerful
Traditional uniforms restrict movement, limit opportunities for active play, and don't reflect the needs of modern learning environments. It's time for change.
Our call to action
For schools to pledge to change their uniform
For anyone to support the Alliance
The campaign
A nationwide movement
At the heart of our campaign is the belief that children will thrive most if they are dressed to be physically active throughout the school day.
To make this a reality, we are launching the Made to Move campaign, a nationwide movement dedicated to transforming school uniforms to support healthier, happier, and more active young learners.
We aim to:
1. Build the case for always active uniforms by getting as many individuals and organisations as possible to register support.
2. Raise awareness of what an always active uniform is and its benefits.
3. Encourage every primary school to make the pledge to adopt an always active uniform.
Move, play, and learn with freedom
Why always active uniforms?
Research shows that physical activity is directly linked to better learning, focus, and overall wellbeing. But many school uniforms are not designed with movement in mind, making it difficult for children to fully engage in play and physical activities.
Benefits
Children can move freely without restrictions all day.
Children can participate in spontaneous active play and sport without changing clothes.
Children can concentrate better because they feel comfortable.
Children can feel included in affordable and practical clothing.
Take the always active uniform test
An always active uniform is clothing which maximises children's capacity and willingness to be as active as possible for as much time as possible. Do you believe you have an activity-friendly uniform?
Take our test and discover if you should consider making changes to make it a more active uniform!
If you answer yes to any question you may want to consider a more active uniform.
1 . Does your uniform have white or very light colour materials which children or parents will worry about getting dirty?
2. Does your uniform prioritise smartness over comfort?
3. Could your uniform make girls feel more self-conscious about being upside down, rolling, climbing or jumping?
4. Do the shoes your girls wear lack good support, good grip on the sole and strong straps?
5. Does your uniform change the behaviour of your children so they are less active than they could be?
Children are made to move, their clothing should be too.
An always-active uniform is school clothing that, regardless of age or gender, supports a continuously active childhood. It is designed for comfort, flexibility and functionality.
What does the evidence say?
Children who wear school uniforms may be less physically active, a global study has suggested. Academics from Cambridge University say uniforms might be a "barrier" to activity, with primary-aged girls particularly affected.
WHO recommends young people get an average of 60 minutes of physical activity per day.
The study confirms observations that most children and adolescents are not meeting this recommendation, especially girls.
Existing evidence suggests that uniforms could be a factor for lack of physical activity.
A 2021 study in England found that the design of girls’ PE uniforms deterred students from participating in certain activities.
In over 75% of the countries surveyed, a majority of schools required wearing uniforms.
In countries where uniform-wearing was the norm, the percentage of students meeting the WHO recommendations for physical activity is lower.
There was a consistent gender gap between boys’ and girls’ physical activity levels
The results suggest that girls are more self-conscious about engaging in physical activity when wearing uniforms in which they do not feel comfortable.
Together, we can build a
movement for movement
The Made to Move campaign isn’t just about changing clothes – it’s about changing the culture of our schools to prioritise active, healthy lifestyles. By embracing always active uniforms, schools will help shape a brighter, more inclusive future for every child.
Are you ready to help children move, play, and learn more freely? Join the movement and sign the always active uniform pledge today. Together, we can make a lasting impact on education, wellbeing, and the future of our children.
Make a difference today
School
Are you ready to make a difference to children's activity levels in your school every day? Sign the pledge to commit to changing uniform at your school.
Individual
You have the power to make a difference. Sign up as a supporter and help us build a national movement for change. Always-active uniforms should be the new normal.
Organisation
Become a partner organisation by registering your support. You can then contribute by using your organisation's communication channels to promote the aims of the Alliance.
Founding partners
News and events
We will keep you up to date with news of how the campaign is going, how many supporters have joined and how may schools have signed the pledge, here.
