BUILDINGS, MAINTENANCE & REFURBISHMENT
Why modern modular learning spaces are built for today’s schools
P
ortakabin tells Education Today why modular classrooms shouldn’t be seen as a second choice for schools – they can be the ideal solution.
Parents may remember times during their childhood when they had to sit in dull and unappealing mobile classrooms while a part of their school building was being rebuilt or renovated.
These memories can cause them to worry that today’s modular classrooms are offering their children a lesser learning experience than if they were studying in permanent school buildings. However, modern modular classrooms can provide safe, inspiring environments where children can learn and thrive.
No compromise on quality
It is often thought that the building quality is compromised when it comes to the construction of a modular classroom, with modular buildings seen as an afterthought and a sign that educational authorities do not care much about working-class schools and the children who use them. However, this is far from reality. Modular building providers work alongside the Department for Education (DfE) on many modular education facility projects, which allows work to meet or even exceed the latest permanent building regulations.
Nick Griffin, Divisional MD at Portakabin, goes on to point out: “Our work alongside the DfE has
allowed us to build bespoke modules on certain projects, to the point where you would never know that the building is modular. “A great example is the Unity Academy, a purpose-built primary Alternative Provision in Kidderminster that was awarded to us under the DfE MMC1 framework and was manufactured entirely by using Modern Methods of Construction.
“With thorough inspections and testing procedures planned out at every stage of a modular classroom’s development, modular buildings actually now often surpass the quality, durability and safety aspects of a traditional education facility.”
The number of overcrowded classrooms can be reduced
Educational establishments throughout England are facing major problems with overcrowded classrooms. According to the latest official school capacity data produced by the DfE, 24% of state- funded secondary schools and 16% of state- funded primary schools across the country were at or over capacity as of the 2023/24 academic year.
An investigation by Schools Week using government statistics has also suggested that an estimated two thirds of the nation’s special schools are currently either full or over capacity. Overcrowding in any classroom is an issue that must be regularly monitored and addressed. It
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can cause: • Learners to become anxious, stressed and feeling negative about their school life, because it is difficult to concentrate in crowded and noisy classroom environments.
• Teachers to become stressed and even suffer from burnout, as they try to manage behaviour and ensure learning of all pupils.
• The quality of a young person’s education to be compromised, as teachers struggle to personalise their instruction to certain students when they need this extra help.
• Less time spent actually learning a subject, with more minutes wasted just setting up activities and introducing a lesson.
• An increase in illness rates among both students and teachers, as crowded rooms make it easier for germs to spread.
Jashan Bahad, Education Key Account Manager at Portakabin, comments: “Of course, it may be late into the current school year before an educational establishment finds out what the full pupil intake numbers will be for the next year. This may mean they have to get additional classrooms and facilities in place in a very short timeframe.
“Fortunately, modular building specialists can react immediately to meet these types of urgent demands, ensuring an education provider has all the buildings they need ready for the start of the new school year.”
September 2026
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