We let our pupils design their own World Book Day outfits to cut costs for families
A Hebburn primary school has held a World Book Day with a difference.
Staff and pupils at Toner Avenue Primary School, on Johnston Avenue, in Hebburn, celebrated World Book Day 2026 (Thursday, March 5) with a difference as the school looked to cut costs for families.
Instead of buying costumes, every child was given a plain white t-shirt and worked in advance with illustrator Liz Million to design their own book character.
The initiative was part of Toner Avenue’s commitment to poverty proofing World Book Day while still ensuring that the celebration is exciting and memorable for everyone.
It was made possible by funding secured by South Tyneside Council from the F&I Group, which provided the t-shirts and pens used by the pupils.
Councillor Tracey Dixon, Leader of South Tyneside Council, has praised Toner Avenue for hosting a World Book Day with a difference.
Cllr Dixon said: “This is a brilliant idea from Toner Avenue Primary School and a great example of how we can make sure every child feels included without putting extra pressure on family budgets.”
The World Book Day event brought the whole school community together, with pupils, teachers, teaching assistants, office staff, kitchen staff, lunchtime supervisors, and more, all joined in with designing and wearing their own t-shirts.
Sophie Cox, the Reading Lead at Toner Avenue, has explained that the day was a success with everyone involved and that parents also welcomed the initiative.
She commented: “Every child had a World Book Day outfit they had created themselves, which they were so proud of.
“It made the day really special.
“Parents also praised the approach, saying it was ‘an inclusive idea that saved money while allowing the children to treasure the T-shirts as a memory of a fantastic day’.”
You can find out more about Toner Avenue Primary School at: https://toneravenue.uk/.
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