Holbrook Primary School in Trowbridge has launched a new Uniform Sharing Shed to support local families and promote sustainable habits across the school community.
The shed offers a range of pre-loved uniform items, including jumpers, shirts, trousers, skirts, coats and shoes, all available at low cost. It opens weekly on Tuesdays, giving families a regular and affordable way to buy good-quality school clothing and outerwear.
The project is a collaboration between the school and its Parent Teacher Association (PTA). By reusing uniform items, the scheme aims to reduce waste, cut down on unnecessary spending and encourage environmentally friendly choices.
Mrs Nunn, Deputy Headteacher, said, “We have dreamed of establishing a sharing shed for a long time; it is a joy to see it up and running. Being able to buy pre-loved uniform and other essentials supports our school community as well as promoting our curriculum thread of ‘Earth Care’ by modelling sustainability. We are so grateful to all involved, especially our amazing PTA volunteers.”
There are plans to expand the shed’s role in future, including supporting specific events such as sharing World Book Day costumes that children have grown out of. The school also hopes pupils will be able to use the shed themselves, for example by selling produce from the school garden.
Bethan Good, Chair of the PTA, added, “This initiative sums up the Holbrook community. Inclusive, caring and supportive.”
Families are encouraged to get involved by donating items their children have outgrown or by using the Sharing Shed when needed. The school hopes it will become a long-term resource for the community, helping families throughout the year while reinforcing the importance of reuse and recycling.
Mrs Cottrell, Headteacher, said, “Holbrook Primary School has the community at its heart and the sharing shed is a wonderful vehicle to connect our community by sharing clothes and toys. It teaches our pupils about sustainability and the importance of reusing and recycling, and we are looking forward to the sharing shed going from strength to strength.”
