Why Schools Shouldn't Lose Sight of the Learning Environment This September

As millions of pupils prepare to head back to the classroom this September, it’s worth pausing on something that often gets overlooked amid new-term preparations: the learning environment itself.

England’s school estate is under growing strain. The Education Select Committee’s 2026 report, Foundations of Learning, warned that the ageing school estate requires sustained, long-term investment. That warning is backed up by hard numbers — a recent survey by school leaders’ union NAHT found that 51% of schools in England have buildings or areas that are out of use or unfit for purpose, due to issues including leaking roofs, damp, mould, and ageing infrastructure.

The summer window matters more than it might seem

But back to school isn’t just about new uniforms and fresh stationery. It’s also about pupils returning to spaces that support their wellbeing, engagement and success. The summer holidays offer a genuinely valuable window to complete refurbishment work before classrooms fill up again in September, and getting that timing right is often the difference between a smooth improvement project and one that eats into term-time learning.

The environment shapes how well pupils learn

The case for investing in school environments goes well beyond aesthetics. Research from the University of Salford’s internationally recognised HEAD (Holistic Evidence and Design) Project found that classroom design — including lighting, air quality, temperature, colour and layout — can account for up to 16% of the variation in pupils’ academic progress over the course of a school year. That’s a substantial share of a pupil’s academic trajectory being shaped not by teaching alone, but by the physical space they learn in.

It’s not just about pupils

The benefits of a well-maintained learning environment extend well beyond the pupils who use it. High-quality spaces also contribute to staff wellbeing, helping create workplaces that teachers and support staff are proud to work in. A well-presented school also leaves a stronger first impression on parents, visitors and prospective students — something that matters increasingly in a competitive admissions landscape.

Schools are expected to do more than ever with their buildings. Whether it’s replacing tired flooring, improving lighting and acoustics, modernising reception areas or refreshing communal spaces, investing in the school environment is ultimately an investment in the people who use it every day. Well-maintained, thoughtfully designed spaces help schools make the best possible start to every academic year.

Planning pays off

Many schools are already looking beyond this summer to future holiday periods to schedule improvement works. Schools, academies and multi-academy trusts that plan refurbishment programmes well in advance tend to see projects completed more efficiently, with far less disruption to learning — a lesson worth taking into account now, well before the next holiday window opens.

If you’re planning to use the next school break for a fit out or refurbishment, visit our education services page where you can download our free brochure.