North East uniform charter launched to support regional schools and families

Children North East and North East Mayor Kim McGuinness have joined forces to launch the North East Uniform Charter, a new regional initiative designed to support schools in making uniform policies as accessible, inclusive and affordable as possible for families.
The initiative invites schools from across the North East to sign up to three core commitments: ensuring no child feels singled out because of what they wear, working to prevent uniform expenses from competing with household essentials, and helping every pupil attend school with dignity and confidence.
Celebrating and sharing school best practice
Schools across the North East are already taking proactive, practical steps to keep school costs down, from streamlining dress codes and reducing required branded items to running popular uniform swap shops. The Charter provides a framework for schools to celebrate these existing successes, benchmark their current approaches, and showcase their commitment to supporting local communities.
Schools that sign up to the Charter will gain access to a practical range of supporting tools, including:
- Clear guidance materials and policy templates to help streamline uniform management
- Real-world examples and case studies of successful cost-reduction strategies from peer schools
- Regional networking opportunities to collaborate and share best practice with fellow school leaders
How to get involved
School leaders, governors, and education staff can explore the charter guidance, access supporting resources, and pledge their support online via Children North East.