Exceptional Education at the Heart of the Community

The Prom Shop: Sustainable Fashion for a Memorable Night
The Prom Shop: Sustainable Fashion for a Memorable Night

Prom night is a special event that every young person looks forward to after graduating from secondary school. However, the financial burden of buying new outfits can be a huge obstacle for many families. In light of this, Oasis Academy Wintringham, Oasis Academy Mayfield and Oasis Academy Sholing are playing significant roles in promoting sustainable fashion for prom season with the ‘Prom Shop’ initiative. This initiative aims to make sure every student can enjoy their prom night without worrying about the cost. Plus, it's a fantastic way to promote sustainability by encouraging the reuse of clothing and cutting down on the amount that ends up in landfill. 

As a trust we are keen to encourage our staff, students and wider communities to become self-controlled consumers and we are committed to evolving to a circular economy where resources are truly valued. These ‘Prom Shop’ initiatives are supporting our environmental sustainability commitments.

Oasis Academy Wintringham has set up a 'Say Yes to the Prom' event, where students can try on donated second-hand prom outfits and borrow them for the big night, totally free of charge. This not only eases the financial pressures of finding the perfect prom outfit but also promotes a more sustainable approach to fashion. It’s all about thinking of alternative options that benefit our planet.

Oasis Academy Mayfield has been running its second-hand prom shop for the second year in a row after last year’s success. Having outgrown their previous facility, they’ve even had to move to a new location and are now part of the Mayfield and Sholing hub. This year, they have hired outfits to nearly every school in the local area and are still receiving donations! The service is now also available to the wider community. For example, the shop will soon be opening for nurses from Southampton General Hospital in preparation for their summer ball. The plan is to open once a month for the local community and have separate sessions for students to view prom outfits.

Prom dresses and suits are often only worn once, which adds to the already wasteful fast fashion culture. By offering over 250 dresses and 60 suits, plus shoes and accessories, the Prom Shop is making a big impact on reducing clothing waste.

The Prom Shop initiative is a brilliant example of how community efforts can really make a difference in promoting sustainable practices and giving every student an equal opportunity to enjoy their special night. Supporting this initiative means contributing to a more sustainable future and helping every young person create unforgettable memories at their prom.

The Prom Shop: Sustainable Fashion for a Memorable Night
Jemma Limbani