Dear Reader,


As we begin a new year, I would like to wish all our readers a very happy and successful 2026.


This latest issue of School Building Magazine reflects a sector that is entering a period of renewed focus and opportunity. Across the UK, investment in educational buildings is gathering pace, design thinking continues to evolve, and expectations around what schools should provide — for pupils, staff and communities — are changing rapidly.


In this edition, we explore how the construction and design of educational buildings is set to develop over the year ahead, examining the key trends, pressures and opportunities facing the industry in 2026. We also take a broader look at how the idea of the educational building has evolved over time, from rigid, functional spaces to the flexible, inclusive environments increasingly demanded today, with insights drawn from both the UK and international examples.


Alongside these features, the magazine includes the latest news, expert views and product information from across the education construction sector, helping you stay informed and ahead of change.


As always, thank you for reading, and we hope you enjoy the issue.


Joe Bradbury Editor


Consulting Editor - Joe Bradbury press@wavcoms.co.uk


Press Releases - Lyn O’Donnell press@wavcoms.co.uk


Sales Consultant - Kevin Edgeworth kedge@wavcoms.co.uk


Design - Ellie Rich


ellie@ellierichdesign.com Editorial Dept


CWestwood@datateam.co.uk Circulation


datateam@c-cms.com Enquiries 01341 250137


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 2631-892X


There are an estimated 64,000 school buildings in England alone, of which, according to the National Office of Statistics, only 31% were built since the year 2000, meaning the majority depend on building services that are coming to, or have already exceeded, end-of-life expectations. Water heating is a particular case in point, one that provides critical daily demands which impact the health and well-being of students and staff. It is also energy demanding, with both implications for running costs and, increasingly, decarbonisation goals.


Read more on page 16 Winter 2026 issue 4182 3


Building Specifiers can subscribe free of charge to this magazine, please visit


www.buildingspecifier.com/subscriptions


Finding The Balance In School Building Renovation, Funding & Decarbonisation


Winter 2026 issue 4182


School building 06


Altro’s latest sustainability report published


Altro has published its latest sustainability report, providing a comprehensive overview of the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainable practices, with an increased focus on transparency and accountability.


14 17 19 22 How the idea of the educational building has evolved


Educational buildings have always reflected more than teaching alone. They reveal how societies understand childhood, authority, community and the purpose of education itself.


Zumtobel and Thorn Transform Sacred Heart University Dingle Campus


Discover how Zumtobel and its sister brand Thorn, both lighting brands of the Zumtobel Group, delivered a comprehensive scheme for the €8 million refurbishment of Sacred Heart University’s Dingle campus. Combining Zumtobel’s precision-engineered with Thorn’s outdoor architectural luminaires.


Modern efficiency meets heritage with Hamworthy Heating


Hamworthy Heating, a trusted British manufacturer and supplier of commercial heating and hot water products, has supplied its Modumax mk3 modular condensing boilers and Powerstock calorifiers to Corpus Christi College, University of Cambridge.


Kingspan & Zestec launch an innovative funded solar roofing solution for commercial refurbishment projects


Kingspan, a global leader in high-performance building envelope systems, has partnered with Zestec Renewable Energy, a wholly owned business within Octopus Energy Generation funds, to deliver a groundbreaking solution for building owners: funded solar roofing for refurbishment projects.


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