Reducing the cost of the school day

15th June 2026R Cave
Welcome to the June edition of our Reducing the Cost of the School Day newsletter.
In this issue, you’ll find updates on pilot programmes, upcoming events, training opportunities, and financial support available to schools and families.
Rising costs are impacting families more than ever—but schools continue to step up. Across South Tyneside, 34 settings are already taking action to reduce the cost of the school day and make education more accessible for all.
Active Uniform Pilot
We are pleased to see growing interest in the Active Uniform approach, with two schools currently taking part in the pilot and a further 10 schools expressing interest in adopting the model.
Across the two pilot schools, 1,098 pupils will receive a quarter-zip top to support the transition to a more practical and inclusive uniform. This initiative has been made possible through funding from RISE and Sport England, helping to reduce costs for families while promoting greater participation in physical activity throughout the school day.
Prom Project
A group of women wearing dresses AI-generated content may be incorrect.
The Prom Project continues to make a meaningful difference by reducing financial pressure on families and ensuring that all students can take part in this important milestone. By improving access to free prom items, schools are helping to create a more inclusive experience so that every young person can celebrate without barriers.
Supporting Active Play Through Social Value
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Through the Pledge’s Social Value commitments, alongside support from a local charity, we have been able to provide 12 brand new and 5 pre-loved bikes to a local primary school.
These bikes will support OPAL provision, helping to ensure that all children have access to bikes during the school day. This is particularly important for pupils who may otherwise be unable to participate due to a lack of equipment at home, with many families unable to afford one.
T‑O Bike School Offer
T‑O Bike, run by Tyneside Outdoors, has a number of usable bikes available for primary‑aged pupils who need them. These bikes are not for resale but can be refurbished and provided through schools to support children who would benefit from access to a bike.
Please note:
  • Requests must be made by schools only (families should not contact or visit the shop)
  • Schools are responsible for requesting, collecting, and delivering the bike to the student
  • This offer is not open to the general public
  • T‑O Bike does not require recognition for providing the bikes
For requests, contact T‑O Bike:
📧 [email protected] | 📞 0191 323 2033
📍 101 Prince Edward Road, South Shields
Opening hours:
Mon–Wed 9:30am–5pm | Thu–Fri 1pm–5pm | Sat 10am–4pm
Get involved
If you would like to learn more about how we can support your school to take advantage of these opportunities, we would love to hear from you.

An Evening of Music!

12th June 2026R King

Our amazing choir went over to Hebburn Comprehensive school yesterday evening to take part in a concert to gather schools together for a night of performing. They have worked so hard to work together to get their songs perfected and that they did! Last night, I witnessed courage, bravery and beautiful singing from every child that took part, all of their hard work paid off! Myself and Miss Lugg, as well as everybody within school are very proud of them.

It was lovely to see so many talented children from other schools taking part, from orchestra’s to another school choir. We even had a performance from Hebburn Comp’s resident DJ’s!

Don’t forget our Singing Sensations show is on Monday 6th July, when our choir will be putting on their very own show for anybody who wishes to attend. Tickets are available via ParentPay or the school office if you do not have access to this.