A Darlington school is launching a new uniform policy, which includes eco-friendly ties.
Wyvern Academy in Branksome, Darlington, will introduce its ties made from recycled plastic bottles. The school is also doing away with branded uniform items.
Every Year seven pupil joining Wyvern in September will receive a free school tie, and the families of Wyvern students will no longer have to purchase new uniform with logos from exclusive providers.
Instead, their uniforms can be purchased at supermarkets and other high street shops, with an exception for school blazers and ties.
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The changes have been introduced with the cost-of-living and sustainability in mind.
The new policy should reduce the long-term cost of purchasing uniform for parents and carers, as well as reducing the amount of used branded uniform going to landfill.
The eco ties are made from yarn produced from recycled plastic bottles and are made in a mill in Lancashire.
Where families are finding it difficult to afford uniform, Wyvern Academy works closely with the Darlington Uniform Exchange, as part of the Darlington Cares Partnership, to support them to get the uniform they need.
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Owen Inglis, Headteacher at Wyvern Academy, part of Consilium Academies, said: “We hope that by making uniforms more affordable, it’s one less thing that our families need to worry about. Uniform is an integral part of school life and our expectations for the presentation of uniforms remain resolutely high, but that doesn’t mean it has to be costly or difficult for parents/carers.
“Sustainability is incredibly important to us as well as our students, which our student council has told us, so it’s only right that we ensure that it is front of mind when introducing new and long-term policies such as this.”
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David Clayton, Chief Executive at Consilium Academies, said: “The cost of uniforms can be a heavy expense and burden on families, especially those who are feeling the effects of rising living costs.
“Buying branded uniform is unnecessarily expensive. No parent/carer should ever have to struggle to clothe their child for school, that’s why we’ve introduced this policy in all nine schools across our trust, to help every one of our 6,071 children and their families.
“As well as reducing costs for families, I am pleased to say our move to unbranded uniform and the introduction of our eco tie, will decrease the amount of product going to landfill as well as reduce our carbon footprint significantly.”
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