New Uniform Requirements 2026/27
We’re looking forward to a fresh start this September with a new-look uniform. All Co-op Academy North Manchester pupils will be required to follow our updated uniform regulations from September 2026.
Our uniform policy follows the principles that:
- It promotes a sense of pride in the academy;
- It promotes a sense of community and belonging in the academy;
- Is fair and equal;
- It reduces peer pressure by removing designer labels and fashions;
- Is practical, smart school wear and good value for money.
You can access a PDF guide to our new uniform expectations by clicking the button below:
New Academy Uniform
All pupils will be required to wear:
- Grey Academy long-sleeve multi-top with logo and tie visible;
- Co-op Academy North Manchester year-coloured tie;
- Traditional white school shirt with a collar, with top button fastened;
- Plain black tailored school trousers;
- Plain black school shoes or full-leather plain black trainers;
- Headscarves or headbands must also be plain black.
New Physical Education (PE) Kit
For PE, all pupils will be required to wear:
- Royal blue Academy PE T-Shirt with logo;
- Grey Academy long-sleeve multi-top with logo (same as regular academy uniform);
- Plain black tracksuit bottoms or plain black PE shorts;
- Trainers.
On days when pupils have practical PE, they will be allowed to wear their full PE kit all day.
This is not mandatory, your child may prefer to wear their usual uniform and get changed for PE as they do now. By wearing their PE kit on PE practical lesson days, this will maximise learning time, taking away the need for pupils to get changed before and afterwards.
Even on PE kit days, pupils will still be expected to wear their black leather shoes or plain black trainers whilst wearing their PE kit. Pupils may decide to wear alternative sports trainers for their PE lesson, but they will need to change into these at school for PE, and then put their black leather shoes or plain black trainers back on for the remainder of the school day.
How to Buy
For September 2026, there are only two branded items required.
These can be bought from Debonair by following this link.
| Academy Uniform | Guidance | How to Buy | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Grey Academy long-sleeve multi-top - with logo |
Branded item from Debonair only. Please buy more than one long sleeve multi-top as they will be worn during the academy day and for PE lessons. |
Please buy online from Debonair or visit the pop-up shops at the front of the academy on: Tuesday 30th June 3pm-5pm Thursday 2nd July 3pm-5pm Tuesday 14th July 10-5pm Wednesday 19th August 9am-4pm Thursday 20th August 9am-4pm |
£19.99 each.
|
| Co-op Academy North Manchester year-coloured tie | Branded item that pupils already own | Purchase via the Arbor App | £5.00 each |
| Traditional white school shirt with a collar | Non-branded item - Many available | ||
| Plain black tailored school trousers | Non branded item - see guidance on styles that are not allowed | ||
| Plain black school shoes shoes or full-leather plain black trainers | Non branded item - see guidance on styles that are not allowed | ||
| Plain black headscarf or headband | Non branded item - many available |
| PE Uniform | Guidance | How to Buy | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Royal blue Academy PE T-Shirt with logo | Branded item from Debonair only. Previously bought 'old style' Co-op Academy North Manchester blue PE T-Shirts will be allowed. |
Please buy online from Debonair or visit the pop-up shops at the front of the academy on: Tuesday 30th June 3pm-5pm Thursday 2nd July 3pm-5pm Tuesday 14th July 10-5pm Wednesday 19th August 9am-4pm Thursday 20th August 9am-4pm |
|
| Grey Academy long-sleeve multi-top - with logo (same as above) | Branded item from Debonair only - but please buy more than one long sleeve multi-top as they will be worn during the academy day and for PE lessons. |
Please buy online from Debonair or visit the pop-up shops at the front of the academy on: Tuesday 30th June 3pm-5pm Thursday 2nd July 3pm-5pm Tuesday 14th July 10-5pm Wednesday 19th August 9am-4pm Thursday 20th August 9am-4pm |
£10.99 online and at the pop-up shop |
| Plain black tracksuit bottoms or plain black PE shorts | Non branded item - see guidance on styles that are not allowed. Previously bought 'old style' branded Co-op Academy North Manchester PE shorts will be allowed. | £19.99 each. Buy one get £5 off the second (only available at the pop up shop). | |
| Trainers | Non branded item - see guidance on styles that are not allowed. Pupils may decide to wear sports trainers for their PE lessons and they will need to bring these to school to change into because during the remainder of the school day all pupils will need to wear plain black trainers or black leather school shoes. | ||
| Socks | Non branded item - plain black socks |
Uniform Exchange
As part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability and assisting parents and carers with uniform expenses, the academy offers a uniform exchange program accessible to all pupils.
If you require any support with uniform, we're happy to help. Please contact us by:
✉️ Email
Price List
Grey quarter zip: £19.99
Blue PE top: £14.99
Ties
From September 2026 the year group tie colours will be as follows:
Year 7: Black with blue stripes.
Year 8: Black with green stripes.
Year 9: Black with white stripes.
Year 10: Black with yellow stripes.
Year 11: Black with purple stripes.
Footwear
For comfort and practicality, we don't insist on formal or traditional black school shoes. Pupils can wear plain black trainers to school.
Pupils enjoy lots of extracurricular activities at lunchtime and this makes it possible to take part and be comfortable while doing so.
Trainers must be black with no logos, embellishments or bubble soles.
To see examples of appropriate footwear, please see our Uniform Expectations Guide 2026.
You can find the Uniform Expectations Guide 2026 by clicking the button below:
School Bags and Equipment
Every pupil must bring a school bag to the academy each day. This will be particularly important next year when pupils will no longer have blazer pockets.
A school bag is a functional item rather than a fashion item; it must have the capacity to hold A4 books and all other required equipment. School bags can be any colour, but shouldn't have expensive designer branding; this puts additional pressure on other parents/carers to spend more than is necessary on a basic school item.
A backpack is an ideal style of bag because it is comfortable and has a large carrying capacity. Cross-body handbag styles are not allowed.
Required equipment:
- A school bag big enough to fit A4 exercise books;
- A pencil case;
- A scientific calculator;
- Pens and pencils;
- A ruler;
- A green pen for self-assessment;
- A reusable water bottle;
- A waterproof coat.
Please note that coats are not worn inside the building and are packed into bags during the day.
Hairstyles and Nails
Long nails can present a health and safety risk. Nails must be natural and of an acceptable length.
Pupils are not permitted to attend the academy with any form of pattern shaved into their heads or eyebrows.
Extreme hairstyles are not allowed.
While hair should remain naturally coloured, pupils are permitted to have streaks of colour in their hair.
Jewellery
Pupils are allowed to wear one pair of stud earrings which must not hang below the bottom of the earlobe. Large earrings that hang below the earlobe, bars or hoops are not permitted.
For examples, please see our Uniform Expectations Guide 2026.
No other jewellery is permitted to be worn for school, including bracelets, chains, rings or facial piercings.
Banned Items
No hoodies, caps, beanie hats, caps, leg-warmers or outerwear (to include body warmers) are allowed to be worn in the academy.
Items worn on the way to school must go into school bags during the day. This includes headphones, earphones and AirPods.