Behind the scenes of a great back to school uniform operation
As the summer holidays are fast approaching and students get ready for their next academic chapter, the unsung heroes of back to school uniform season are already in motion. At Schoolwear Solutions, we’ve turned this seasonal surge into a finely tuned operation-one that blends decades of experience, community care, and logistical precision to deliver more than just uniform. We deliver confidence, consistency, and connection.
The power of people
It all starts with people. Our business is proudly led by Nick Cheatle, who brings over 60 years of experience in retail to the helm. His unwavering standards and understanding of customer service are at the heart of everything we do. Working alongside him is his son, Joss Cheatle, who heads up our buying team with sharp market insight and a commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainability. Together with two additional expert buyers, they ensure every garment meets our high standard – for quality, cost-efficiency, and environmental responsibility.
Supporting our operations in schools are Regional Managers Scott Glover and Ollie Buchanan. With more than 60 years’ combined experience between them, they’ve both worked their way up from the shop floor, gaining a deep understanding of what schools, parents, and pupils need. They oversee our six high street retail shops and are the primary link between our business and Multi-Academy Trusts, working as true strategic partners.
Behind the scenes, we’re backed by a skilled finance team who ensure everything runs smoothly for schools, and a marketing and communications officer who helps keep every stakeholder informed and supported. From the top down, it’s a team built on trust, experience, and shared values.
Meticulous planning for maximum impact
Our back-to-school preparation doesn’t start in July – it begins months ahead. Every partnership is tailored to the individual school or Trust, with a clear understanding of government guidelines, parent pressures, and pupil needs. Whether it’s supporting a change in school branding or helping schools plan a roll-out that aligns with budgets and compliance, we’re not just uniform providers – we’re problem solvers.
We offer clear, structured packages that suit every model: full retail, online-only, direct-to-school delivery, or a hybrid. From bundled pricing to Pupil Premium support and cost-spreading options, we make sure schools can offer accessible, fair, and inclusive uniform solutions.
A sustainable approach to quality
More than ever, sustainability and value go hand in hand. Our garments are designed to last, which means fewer replacements, lower long-term costs for families, and less environmental waste. Our Ziggy blazer, made from recycled plastic bottles, undergoes rigorous 50-wash testing to ensure durability.
We also run pre-loved uniform initiatives to support affordability and sustainability. For schools that don’t yet have a second-hand scheme, we offer tailored support to help implement one that works for them and their community.
Supporting students beyond the uniform
Uniform is more than what a student wears-it’s a statement of belonging, pride, and equality. We’ve seen how the right uniform reduces peer pressure and helps students focus. That’s why we’re proud to support schools in reinforcing identity and ethos through carefully chosen branded items.
We also go further than fabric. Through our partnerships with schools, we provide real-life work experience, mock interview days, dragons’ den-style activities, and mentoring opportunities. We’re helping students prepare for life, not just school.
Seamless, stress-free service
From personalised appointments in-store to direct-to-school deliveries and on-site pop-up shops, we remove the stress for families and staff alike. Our appointment system, now a permanent fixture by popular demand, allows over 20,000 pupils a year to be fitted with the right uniform-correct size, first time- in under 40 minutes.
We pride ourselves on being proactive, adaptable, and always ready to go the extra mile. Independent customer surveys show our service is rated excellent by over 97% of our schools, with garment quality and delivery times scoring equally high.
Ready when you are
A great back-to-school operation doesn’t happen by accident. It’s powered by people who care, a team that listens, and a business that never stops evolving to meet the needs of schools, parents, and pupils.
If you’re a school looking for a partner that truly understands the uniform journey, from strategy to stitching, Schoolwear Solutions is ready behind the scenes and beyond the seams.
