LATEST NEWS
Modular Classrooms Gain Traction in Rural Schools
Rural schools across the UK are increasingly adopting modular classrooms to address space shortages and budget constraints, with a notable surge in 2025. A recent project in Cumbria saw three modular units installed at Kirkby Primary School, completed in April 2025, costing £1.2 million.
These prefabricated structures, built off-site by ModuBuild, offer flexible, energy-efficient spaces with integrated solar panels and smart ventilation. The approach reduced construction time by 40% compared to traditional builds, allowing the school to accommodate an additional 120 pupils.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson praised modular construction for its “speed and sustainability.” However, concerns about longevity and aesthetic integration persist, with some critics arguing modular units lack the permanence of brick-and-mortar buildings. Proponents counter that modern designs rival traditional structures in durability and style. With the UK facing a 47% drop in educational project starts this year, modular solutions are proving a vital lifeline for rural schools.
School Rebuilding Programme Faces Labour Shortage Challenges
The UK’s School Rebuilding Programme, aimed at modernising outdated school facilities, is grappling with labour shortages despite a £1.2 billion investment in 2025. The initiative, which includes plans to upgrade 50 schools by 2030, has seen delays due to a lack of skilled workers, exacerbated by a 47% decline in educational project starts this year.
A report by Construction News highlights that while planning approvals have risen by 52%, main contract awards remain stagnant, reflecting workforce constraints. Industry leaders are calling for urgent action, with the government responding by announcing plans to train 120,000 new construction apprentices by 2029. A pilot scheme in Birmingham, launched in May 2025, partners local colleges with contractors to fast-track carpentry and masonry training.
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...Government plans to train 120,000 new construction apprentices by 2029...”
Despite these efforts, rising material costs and economic uncertainty continue to hinder progress. The programme’s flagship project, a new secondary school in Leeds, is on track for 2026 completion but faces recruitment challenges. Educational building professionals are urged to collaborate with training providers to ensure the sector meets future demand.
4 Summer 2025 issue 4180
New Eco-School in Sheffield to Pioneer Sustainable Design
Sheffield City Council has announced plans for a new eco- school, set to open in September 2027, as part of the UK’s School Rebuilding Programme. The project, designed by EcoArch Studio, will incorporate solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and a timber-frame structure to achieve net-zero status. The school will accommodate 600 pupils and feature outdoor classrooms and a green roof to enhance biodiversity.
Local MP Sarah Green hailed the initiative as a “blueprint for sustainable education infrastructure.”
Despite challenges with rising material costs, the project secured £12 million in government funding, supplemented by a regional green grant. Construction is set to begin in early 2026, with contractor GreenBuild Ltd prioritising local labour and sustainable suppliers. The design also includes acoustic ecology principles to create a calming learning environment, aligning with emerging trends in educational architecture.
London Academy Retrofit Boosts Accessibility
A £5 million retrofit project at North London Academy, completed in May 2025, has transformed accessibility for students with disabilities. The initiative, funded by the Department for Education, added ramps, widened doorways, and installed a state-of-the-art lift system. Classrooms now feature adjustable desks and sensory- friendly lighting to support neurodiverse learners. Architect Jane Harper of AccessDesign Ltd incorporated biophilic elements, such as indoor plants and natural light, to create a welcoming environment.
Headteacher Mark Taylor reported a “significant uplift” in student engagement, particularly for those with mobility challenges. The project also addressed acoustic issues, using sound-absorbing panels to reduce noise in high- traffic areas. Despite initial concerns over disruption, the phased construction minimised impact on learning. This retrofit sets a benchmark for inclusive school design, with plans to replicate the model in other London boroughs facing similar accessibility challenges.
Bristol Primary School Expands with Innovative Learning Hub
Construction began in March 2025 on a £6 million learning hub at Elmwood Primary School in Bristol, England, with completion expected by August 2026. The project, funded through the Department for Education’s Priority School Building Programme, adds eight new classrooms and a multi-purpose studio for 300 pupils. Designed by Studio Green, the hub features biophilic elements like living walls and skylights, alongside sound- absorbing materials to enhance acoustic ecology.
Headteacher Emma Smith noted the hub will “revolutionise flexible learning spaces.” Contractor BuildFast Ltd is using modular construction techniques to reduce costs and construction time by 30%. The project also includes accessible pathways and sensory-friendly zones, addressing inclusivity needs. Despite local concerns about traffic disruption, community consultations have ensured minimal impact. This expansion reflects England’s push for innovative, sustainable school designs to meet growing student numbers.
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