LATEST NEWS
East Lothian Learning Campus Embraces Flexible Design with Moveable Walls
Wallyford Learning Campus in East Lothian has set a new standard for adaptable school architecture by integrating Dorma Huppe moveable walls in its new facility, opened in February 2025. These walls allow classrooms to be reconfigured swiftly, supporting diverse teaching methods from group projects to individual study.
“The flexibility transforms how we use our spaces, making them future-proof. The project, funded partly by local council grants, reflects a growing trend in UK schools to prioritise modular design amid budget constraints...”
The system enhances space efficiency, enabling the campus to host community events after hours, maximising the building’s utility. The walls, designed with acoustic insulation, ensure soundproofing for focused learning environments.
Headteacher Jane Smith noted, “The flexibility transforms how we use our spaces, making them future-proof.” The project, funded partly by local council grants, reflects a growing trend in UK schools to prioritise modular design amid budget constraints. For specifiers, this highlights the potential of moveable wall systems to deliver cost-effective, versatile spaces that adapt to evolving educational needs without costly structural changes
Crumbling School Buildings Spark Urgent Safety Surveys Across England
A Guardian investigation in December 2024 revealed that 1.6 million pupils in England are studying in dilapidated school buildings, with 30% of Midlands schools deemed unsafe or in poor condition. The crisis, worsened by decades of underfunding, has prompted the Department for Education (DfE) to order intrusive structural surveys of 100 postwar “system-built” school blocks, constructed between 1945 and 1990.
These buildings, including Laingspan and Intergrid designs, risk hidden defects, as highlighted by two emergency closures due to wall collapses and structural weaknesses. The surveys, delayed until 2025, aim to assess safety risks beyond the RAAC (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete) crisis, which closed 156 schools in 2023.
NAHT’s Paul Whiteman warned that the £1.4 billion allocated in the 2024 budget “barely scratches the surface” of the £11.4 billion needed for repairs. For construction specifiers, this signals demand for robust survey techniques and retrofitting solutions, like modular replacements or strengthening systems, to address ageing infrastructure. The DfE’s focus on safety underscores the urgency of modernising the school estate to protect pupils and staff.
4 Autumn 2025 issue 4181
School Rebuilding Programme Faces Delays Amid Contractor Hesitancy
The UK’s School Rebuilding Programme, launched in 2020 to refurbish 500 schools over a decade, is lagging, with only 62 of 513 selected schools assigned construction contracts by summer 2025, according to a BBC investigation. High inflation and tight margins have made contractors wary, with some, like ISG, withdrawing due to rising costs.
Joseph Leckie Academy in Walsall spent £10,000 on temporary repairs to its 1930s hall, as principal James Ludlow lamented the programme’s slow progress. The National Audit Office notes that 38% of school buildings are past their design life, exacerbating risks like damp and structural issues. The Department for Education insists the programme is on track, adjusting funding to reflect market conditions.
For specifiers, this underscores the need for flexible contract models to attract builders. The Labour government’s £1.4 billion boost in the 2024 budget offers hope, but experts warn it’s a fraction of the £11.4 billion needed to address the school estate’s chronic underinvestment.
Abertay University’s CyberQuarter Prioritises Accessibility in School Design
Abertay University’s cyberQuarter building, completed in February 2025, offers a blueprint for accessible school design, introducing step-free access across all five floors. This innovative approach, incorporating ramps and advanced lift systems, ensures inclusivity for students with mobility challenges. The building, part of a broader campus upgrade, also features energy-efficient materials and natural lighting to enhance well-being.
Project manager Dr. Emma Clarke said, “Accessibility isn’t an add-on; it’s the foundation of our design.” The initiative aligns with the UK’s push for inclusive education spaces, as mandated by the Equality Act 2010. For construction specifiers, the project showcases how universal design principles can be integrated without compromising aesthetics or functionality. The use of modular construction techniques also reduced build time by 20%, offering a model for cost-conscious schools. This development signals a shift towards prioritising accessibility in educational infrastructure across the UK.
Munster Technological University Upgrades Emergency Lighting for Safety
Munster Technological University (MTU) Kerry has revamped its emergency lighting system, switching to Zumtobel’s central battery system to meet IS:3217 compliance, as announced in April 2025. The upgrade ensures reliable illumination during power outages, enhancing safety across the campus’s academic buildings.
The system’s centralised design reduces maintenance costs by 15% and lowers energy consumption, contributing to MTU’s sustainability goals. Project lead Sarah O’Connor stated, “This upgrade prioritises student and staff safety while cutting operational costs.” The initiative reflects a broader trend among UK and Irish educational institutions to modernise safety infrastructure in ageing buildings. For specifiers, the project highlights the value of central battery systems for scalability and efficiency in large school estates. With safety regulations tightening, such upgrades are critical for compliance and risk mitigation, offering a practical solution for schools facing similar challenges in the UK.
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