Dear Reader,
those responsible for designing, specifying and delivering them has never been more important. From improving the existing education estate to creating new buildings that can respond to changing environmental conditions, there are increasingly more factors to consider at every stage of a project.
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In this issue, we look at some of the practical challenges facing the sector, including the Government’s new £710 million Renewal and Retrofit Programme and what its focus on extending the life of existing school buildings could mean for future projects. We also examine how school roofs are being asked to perform more functions, from supporting renewable energy to managing rainwater and improving building performance.
Elsewhere, we consider the detail behind creating inclusive and adaptable learning environments, alongside the latest products, materials and developments relevant to today’s education projects.
As always, our focus is on the practical issues that matter to those specifying, designing and delivering better school buildings.
We hope you enjoy the latest issue. Thanks for reading!
Joe Bradbury Editor
s the demands placed on school buildings continue to change, the role of
Autumn 2026 issue 4185 School building
10 Planning approved for £14.6m expansion at Salisbury’s Sarum Academy
A £14.6 million expansion of Sarum Academy will provide additional classrooms, improved facilities, and enhanced sports facilities at the Salisbury school.
14 How school building delays are holding pupils back At the rate the government is currently rebuilding England’s most run- down schools, a school could wait 432 years for its turn.
16 Helping schools move to zero: Why modular buildings are the solution for growing educational estates
Education estates are under increasing pressure. Schools, colleges and universities are balancing rising student numbers, changing curriculum needs, ageing buildings, sustainability targets, accessibility requirements and the challenge of improving facilities without disrupting teaching and learning.
28 Building Better: What to expect at London Build 2026 Across the UK, education estates are facing a complex mix of challenges. Schools and colleges need to maintain and improve existing buildings, manage energy costs, meet evolving safety requirements and work towards ambitious sustainability targets, often while operating within tight budgets and continuing to serve their communities.
34 What makes a good school roof?
School roofs are being asked to do more than simply protect the building from the elements. From supporting solar photovoltaic systems and improving thermal performance to managing rainwater.
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datateam@c-cms.com Publisher’s Statement.
School Building is published 4 times a year. Printed in England. All rights reserved. No part of School Building may be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without prior permission of the publisher. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of editorial content, the editor and publishers do not accept responsibility for errors or loss and damage caused by any statements, claims or observations made by contributors, authors and their agents.
Published by DataTeam Business Publishing Company Registration no. 1771113 ISSN 2631-8938
Autumn 2026 issue 4185 3
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