Odd Socks Day 2025 

What is Odd Socks Day?

Odd Socks Day is a light-hearted but powerful way for pupils and staff to mark the start of Anti‑Bullying Week each year by wearing odd socks. It’s a simple, fun way to celebrate what makes each of us unique – and to reinforce the idea that differences are something to be celebrated, not bullied. It sends the message: everyone is welcome, everyone belongs, and kindness to each other matters. It is supported by cBeebies presenter & ABA patron Andy Day and his band ‘Andy and the Odd Socks’.

Why do we take part?

At the School of Kindness, we believe that kindness is the most important thing a child can be. Wearing odd socks gives us a visual, memorable way to start conversations about individuality, respect and community.
• It shows that being different is okay – in fact, it’s great.
• It creates an inclusive atmosphere where everyone can feel seen.
• It helps open up discussion about treating one another with kindness and challenging behaviour that excludes or hurts.
• It links directly to our mission to create classrooms and schools where kindness is the culture – and where children become courageous advocates for positive change.

How you can get involved in your school

1. Pick the day – Choose the date when your school will take part in Odd Socks Day (often the Monday of Anti-Bullying Week).

2. Wear odd socks! – Ask pupils and staff to wear two socks that don’t match: different colours, patterns, lengths – anything goes.

3. Talk about it – Use the occasion to explore themes such as:

   • What makes us different? What makes us the same?

   • How might someone feel if they are made to feel weird about their differences?

   • What kind things can we do to make sure everyone feels included?

4. Use our resources – We have a range of resources to celebrate kindness, respect, World Kindness Day and Anti-Bullying Week.

5. Share the story – Encourage pupils to photograph their ‘odd socks’ moment and share in the classroom, on the school newsletter or social-media (with consent) to highlight how everyone is recognising individuality and kindness.

Why odd socks?

Because it is so simple, so visible and fun – and because sometimes a small visible act opens up a big conversation. When everyone is wearing something deliberately different, it’s a reminder: each of us is different. That’s a good thing. And with that difference comes responsibility – to be kind, inclusive and supportive of one another.

Beyond the day

Odd Socks Day is the kick-off  – the conversation starter. The aim is for the moments of inclusion, respect and kindness to ripple out beyond the one day, into everyday life in your classroom, corridors and playground. At the School of Kindness we encourage schools to use this day as a springboard into a year of kindness-driven activity.

If you’d like to spread even more kindness at your school, you can request a Kindness Workshop from us here at The School of Kindness, which is totally free and a great way to inspire children to respect others and spread kindness. 

You can also take part in our free World Kindness Day Assemblies