A school or PTA mascot is a great addition to any event. It adds colour and laughs, and is a focal point for activities. Choose a popular character from a cartoon or video game, an animal relevant to your school community, or hold a competition to get a unique character designed by the children. Several companies offer a bespoke mascot-making service. It’s not cheap, but you could help cover the costs by charging a small fee to enter the competition or seeking sponsorship.
▲ Pedro the Puffin Pedro plays an important role in our House system by boosting team spirit. He attends all House events, participates in sports day, joins in with the party dances and attends assemblies.
Tracey Smith, lead practitioner for personal development, Penwortham Priory Academy, Preston (849 pupils)
▲ Joey the Kangaroo Our school is St Joseph’s or ‘The Joeys’ for short. We chose a kangaroo as our mascot as a baby kangaroo is called a joey. The students love our mascot, even though it’s not custom-made; I believe it cost about £125. The only downside is that the volunteer wearing it can get quite hot.
Janine Piercy, PTA chair, St Joseph’s Primary School PTA, Wirral (260 pupils)
▲ Brian and Tracy A local business donated our two mascots at St John’s Church of England Primary School. The children love them, and they’re great for a photo opportunity. We ran a ‘name the mascot’ stall at our summer fayre, charging 50p a guess. The pupils chose Brian the Bear and Tracy the Bird.
Sarah Gausden, chair, Friends of St John’s CofE School, Basingstoke (313 pupils)
▲ Gog the Goat Our school’s name is Y Gogarth, which is Welsh for the Great Orme headland, famous for its Kashmir goats. The goat suit is worn for events in and out of school, including visits to our local hospice. We got the children involved in designing the goat’s three costumes: a school uniform, smart attire and a Father Christmas outfit.
Angharad Williams, family and community engagement officer, Ysgol Y Gogarth, Llandudno (276 pupils)
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