PE Kit Guide
Ensuring pupils have the right PE kit is key to promoting participation, comfort, and confidence in physical education. A modern, practical kit sets expectations for behaviour, safety, and readiness. Here’s a simple guide to help you make the best decisions for your school.
1. Keep It Simple and Functional
The ideal PE kit should be affordable, comfortable, and suitable for all activities. Essentials to include:
- A plain t-shirt or polo shirt
- PE shorts
- Joggers or leggings for colder months
- A hoodie or sweatshirt for outdoor sessions
- Trainers with non-marking soles
- A labelled PE kit bag
Many schools opt for a plain white top and black shorts to keep things affordable and easy to find.
2. Consider Weather and Seasonal Needs
Ensure the kit works year-round:
- Include joggers and sweatshirts for winter PE
- Remind parents to pack hats and sunscreen in summer
- Include spare socks if sessions are on grass
For tips on warm-weather safety, see our blog on Teaching Safe PE in the Heat.
3. Think About Safety Equipment
Depending on your PE curriculum, you may want to include:
- Gum shields
- Shin pads
- Additional items for specific sports like hockey or football
Check AfPE’s Safe Practice guidance when updating your PE kit requirements.
4. Make It Inclusive
Be mindful of all pupils:
- Allow options like skorts or joggers
- Make reasonable adjustments for cultural or religious dress requirements
- Consider sensory sensitivities when choosing materials
5. Use Visual Aids to Show Expectations
Help parents and pupils understand your policy with:
- Visual examples of the correct kit
- Clear dos and don’ts for clothing and footwear
- Suggested retail sources for hard-to-find items
6. Communicate Clearly with Parents
Good communication makes everything easier:
- Share any kit policy changes well in advance
- Provide a printed kit checklist with new starter packs
- Remind parents to label all items clearly
7. Keep Lost Property to a Minimum
Encourage families to:
- Use permanent name labels
- Re-check kits each term for sizing and missing items
- Store kits in labelled bags to avoid mix-ups
Ready to Level Up PE in Your School?
With the right PE kit and clear expectations, children are free to focus on fun, learning, and movement. Want support embedding high-quality PE in your school day? The PE Hub offers:
- Ready-to-teach lesson plans
- A flexible curriculum mapping tool
- High-impact resources for primary PE teachers