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VENTILATION & HEAT RECOVERY


Classroom air quality linked to pupil performance


A


new study has found four in five UK schools (79%) are yet to adopt smart ventilation systems, meaning the vast majority of


education buildings continue to rely on outdated or insufficient ventilation contributing to elevated levels of CO2 and other indoor pollutants. The research also reveals that nearly one-third (29%) of schools do not have any carbon dioxide (CO2) monitoring in classrooms, despite clear evidence that elevated CO2 levels negatively affect pupil health, concentration, and learning outcomes. The Smart Ventilation in Schools


Report, conducted by indoor ventilation specialist Airflow, reveals the state of air quality monitoring in schools across the UK. The survey gathered data from over 500 schools, revealing the barriers to smart ventilation uptake. The issue of classroom air quality comes as both


the Welsh and UK Governments step up investment in school and college infrastructure. Wales has allocated £20 million this year for essential repairs, including heating and ventilation upgrades, with total maintenance funding now at £50 million for 2025-26.


In England, capital funding and retrofit schemes


provide opportunities for schools to improve air quality alongside energy efficiency, with £470 million of capital funding through the Condition Improvement Fund for 2025-26, aimed at repair and maintenance projects including structural work, accessibility improvements and safety upgrades. The study found academies represent the largest


share of schools with smart ventilation with the North leading the way with just under half (44%) of schools with such systems. London accounts for a third (33%) of schools with smart ventilation adoption, while the East Midlands and South East each account for 11%.


The findings highlight the growing need for


reliable ventilation in schools, particularly in older buildings or energy-efficient structures where natural airflow is limited. Without adequate ventilation, CO2 and other indoor pollutants can accumulate, leading to tiredness, headaches, difficulty concentrating, and reduced cognitive performance among pupils. Barriers to smart ventilation implementation persist. Survey responses to challenges included:


Above: Alan Siggins, managing director of Airflow


¡ Difficulty maintaining low CO2 levels, particularly in the afternoons, even with monitoring and temporary use of air purifiers


¡ Lack of budget for improvements ¡ Overreliance on natural ventilation ¡ Older schools often lack modern ventilation technology or building management systems


¡ Seasonal factors, such as summer heat in unairconditioned buildings, and operational constraints like closed external doors for safeguarding affect airflow Alan Siggins, managing director of Airflow,


said: “Every classroom should have carbon dioxide monitoring in place so schools can identify problems early and act on them. But monitoring alone is not enough. Schools also need to invest in smart ventilation solutions, both in new buildings and retrofit projects, that deliver a reliable source of fresh air while using energy efficiently.”


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