Schoolwear Association looks to strengthen support for schools as new chair takes the helm #ad

The Schoolwear Association (SA) is entering a new chapter as James Harding, Operations Director at The Stevenson Group, succeeds Matthew Easter as chair following Easter’s six-year tenure.

For boarding schools, where uniform and sportswear are an important part of school identity, community and pupils’ sense of belonging, the changing schoolwear landscape presents both challenges and opportunities.

Reflecting on his time as chair, Easter highlights the SA’s work with government, industry bodies and the media to establish the Association as an expert voice on school uniform. This has been particularly important during a period of significant scrutiny and legislative change, with the Association working to ensure the experiences of schools, families and the schoolwear sector are represented in policy discussions.

Harding takes over at a time when schools and schoolwear providers continue to navigate pressures including affordability, supply chain disruption, sustainability and inclusivity. He believes the Association has an important role to play in helping members and schools respond to these challenges through practical guidance, shared best practice and constructive engagement with policymakers.

For boarding schools in particular, considerations around uniform can extend beyond the school day, with pupils requiring clothing and sportswear for a wide range of activities. Ensuring that uniform remains practical, inclusive and accessible to families is therefore an important part of the wider conversation.

A key priority for Harding will be ensuring the SA continues to listen to the full breadth of its membership and strengthens engagement with stakeholders across the education sector. He also wants the Association to demonstrate the value specialist schoolwear providers bring to schools, pupils, families and local communities.

As the sector looks ahead, both chairs emphasise the importance of collaboration. By maintaining an open dialogue between schools, suppliers, policymakers and families, the SA aims to support the schoolwear sector through continued change while helping schools deliver uniform solutions that work for their communities.