Pupils could soon be swapping blazers for jogging bottoms under controversial proposals to make school uniforms “more inclusive”.
A group of MPs has suggested that children should be allowed to wear tracksuits and trainers in lessons as standard, arguing that traditional uniforms may be holding pupils back, particularly when it comes to taking part in physical activity.
The recommendations come in a new report from the Commons culture, media and sport committee, which claims more relaxed dress codes would help remove “barriers” and allow children to move more freely throughout the school day.
The report, titled Game On, urges ministers to push schools towards “practical, activity-friendly” clothing, saying comfort and inclusivity should be prioritised, especially for girls and pupils with additional needs.
It also argues that conventional PE kits can deter participation, with some pupils finding them uncomfortable or even embarrassing.
MPs pointed to evidence suggesting a stark divide in attitudes, while boys are more likely to find PE “exciting”, girls often describe it as “stressful” or “embarrassing”.
Campaign group Inclusive Sportswear was cited as criticising some girls’ kits as overly revealing and lacking choice.
Ministers already tightening rules
The debate comes as Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson moves to curb strict uniform policies by limiting the number of branded items schools can require.
Supporters of the shake up say looser rules could also ease pressure on family finances and encourage more children to get active. But the proposals are likely to prove divisive.
Fears of slipping standards
Critics argue that school uniforms are about far more than comfort, and warn that ditching them risks undermining discipline.
“Uniforms aren’t just clothes,” one education commentator said. “They set the tone for the school day, they signal respect, unity and a sense of belonging.”
Others say a consistent dress code helps create a level playing field, reducing visible differences between pupils from wealthier and less affluent backgrounds.
“There’s a reason uniforms have stood the test of time,” a former headteacher said. “They promote pride in the school and help maintain standards. Once you start relaxing them, you risk losing that structure.”
Push for a more ‘fun’ PE curriculum
Alongside the uniform changes, MPs are calling for a major overhaul of PE lessons, saying too many children are turned off by a narrow focus on traditional sports.
They want schools to introduce alternatives such as skateboarding, cheerleading and parkour, an urban discipline involving climbing, jumping and navigating obstacles.
The report argues that broadening the curriculum could help engage pupils who do not see themselves as “sporty”, particularly girls and those with special educational needs.
A growing inactivity problem
The recommendations come amid mounting concern about falling levels of physical activity among young people.
Recent findings suggest many pupils are missing the recommended two hours of PE per week, while large numbers of older teenagers do no school sport at all.
More than half of children in England also fail to meet the guideline of 60 minutes of daily physical activity.
Dame Caroline Dinenage, who chairs the committee, said the country risks missing out on the wider benefits of sport if barriers are not tackled.
“Sport isn’t just for future stars,” she said. “Every child should have the chance to enjoy being active, for their health, wellbeing and confidence.”
Government response
A Department for Education spokesman said schools would continue to have the final say on uniforms, but stressed the importance of comfort and consultation.
“School leaders should work with parents and pupils when setting uniform policies,” the spokesman said. “We also recognise that too many young people are inactive, which is why we are targeting the barriers that prevent participation.”
For now, the idea of tracksuits in the classroom remains just that, an idea.
But as the debate intensifies, the question for schools is clear, should comfort come first, or do uniforms still play a vital role in maintaining standards?
What do you think, should pupils be allowed to wear tracksuits in class, or should schools stick to traditional uniforms?
