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feature


schools, academies & universities


retrofitting rooflights to transform learning spaces


Steve Pickering,   


As schools across the UK navigate ageing infrastructure, tight budgets, and changing curriculum demands, one powerful yet underutilised solution lies overhead, natural daylight. Retrofitting rooflights into existing school buildings is an effective way to improve both the learning environment and building performance, delivering long-term educational and environmental benefits. But while the benefits are clear, successful retrofit projects


require thoughtful planning and a clear understanding of the technical challenges involved. Why daylight still matters in education The link between natural light and improved educational outcomes is well documented. Studies have shown that daylight improves student concentration, mood, and cognitive function. One often-cited study by the Heschong Mahone Group found that students in well-lit classrooms performed up to 25% better in standardised tests than those in poorly lit spaces. Daylight helps regulate circadian rhythms, improving sleep quality and overall


wellbeing, factors that are especially critical for growing children and young adults. In older school buildings, daylighting is often uneven, with


central corridors, assembly halls, and deep classrooms receiving little to no direct natural light. Rooflights, installed directly into the building’s roof, allow daylight to reach these interior spaces, providing illumination where traditional windows fall short. Retrofitting: A smart alternative to new builds While building new, light-filled schools from scratch may be the ideal, it’s rarely feasible. Refurbishment and retrofit projects offer a more realistic solution for local authorities and academy trusts looking to modernise facilities. Retrofitting rooflights into existing structures can dramatically transform the interior environment, making spaces feel more open, welcoming, and conducive to learning. What’s more, natural daylight reduces the reliance on artificial lighting, supporting both energy efficiency goals and compliance with sustainability standards like BREEAM.


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