A CHESTER-BASED educational trust has launched an ambitious campaign to provide free school uniforms for pupils.

The North West Academies Trust (NWAT), which runs 10 academies across Cheshire and Shropshire, with another soon to open in Nantwich, is raising funds - estimated to be in the region of £50,000 - to ensure that every child in receipt of pupil premium receives one free uniform per year throughout their time at school.

Pupil premium is a grant from national government which is designed to support disadvantaged children in state education in England.

The drive by North West Academies, coordinated through the Trust’s Bursary Fund, is expected to support around 500 pupils. The schools’ uniform suppliers will provide them at cost.

Trust CEO Steve Docking, who was recently made an OBE for services to education, is passionate about giving all children equal opportunities to thrive, regardless of their circumstances.

Chester and District Standard: Children across North West Academies' schools will benefit from the new campaign.Children across North West Academies' schools will benefit from the new campaign. (Image: North West Academies)

He said: "Our Bursary Fund is an important part of how we support our pupils, particularly at a time that life feels more expensive than ever.

"Our schools use budgets wisely to ensure children receive a great education, are well fed, and take part in as many visits and opportunities as we can afford.

"However, I see a growing divide between children who can afford new school uniform, and those who cannot.

"School uniform is an important part of school life, as it helps create equality. Feeling good about yourself starts with the clothes you wear.

"Our aim is to make sure that no child ever loses confidence, or feels different than their peers, due to issues they cannot control.

"That’s why we are now pledging that any pupil who attends one of our schools, whose family is in receipt of pupil premium, will receive one free new school uniform each year.

"Our providers have agreed to provide the uniforms at cost, and we estimate we’ll need £50,000 to provide free school uniforms to those children, each year. I’m confident we can reach that target."

NWAT was formed in 2011, and the Bursary Fund was created soon after, thanks to the generosity and backing of Sir John Timpson and his wife Alex.

Over time, the Trust has grown to comprise 10 schools, attended by almost 2,500 children. All the schools are rated Outstanding or Good.

One of them, Rudheath Senior Academy, recently pledged to provide free breakfast, lunch, and snacks, to pupils in another pioneering initiative aimed at easing financial strain on families.

And two more, Calveley Primary Academy and Acton CE Primary Academy, are poised to be among just seven schools in the country to install ground source heating, as part of a Government Pilot Scheme aimed at reducing costs and being kinder to the environment.

A new school in Nantwich, Kingsbourne Academy, will open in 2024.

To support NWAT’s free school uniform campaign with a one-off donation, or a small monthly contribution, visit: northwestacademiestrust.co.uk/donate-to-ourschools/.