Can schools with afford to replace temporary classrooms?

Temporary classrooms are an almost permanent fixture at UK schools, despite many being long past their use-by date. They have become increasingly expensive to maintain with age and can now suffer poor ventilation, poor insulation, damp, and mould. Vertis believes the affordable answer to this problem is modern, energy efficient, modular classrooms that are quick to build, easy to relocate, and good for learning outcomes, as well as student and teacher wellbeing.

Schools urgently need more space but are old temporary classrooms still the answer?

Temporary classrooms were meant to be fast, flexible solutions to short-term problems. However, as new permanent buildings are prohibitively expensive, many schools still rely on them for:

1. Expansion: As student numbers increase, particularly of those with Special Educational Needs (SEN), schools must find more space rapidly. SEN requirements also often demand specific adaptations, which can be difficult to integrate into old structures.

1. Interim teaching spaces: Renovations, or reorganisations to add new year groups, can force the temporary displacement of students. Schools need affordable and adaptable spaces to maintain uninterrupted teaching during such transitions.

While older temporary classrooms still provide the space, their age creates significant problems.

Why are old temporary classrooms bad for learning outcomes and wellbeing?

Older models of temporary classrooms were never really built to last, yet many are still in service despite their deteriorating fabric caused by years of wear and tear. Critical issues include:

• Structural decline: Decades-old buildings frequently suffer from damp, mould, and structural instability, making them potentially unsafe and unfit for daily use.

• Inadequate insulation: Poor insulation and ventilation can make classrooms stiflingly hot in summer and freezing in winter, creating uncomfortable learning environments.

• Health risks: Poor air quality can exacerbate respiratory problems and virus transmission, as well as reducing concentration, energy levels, and overall student and employee wellbeing.

School leaders are concerned that these factors not only lead to poor educational outcomes but also broader health and safety issues, making the need for better alternatives urgent.

Modern modular classrooms: our future-ready solution

Replacing your outdated temporary classrooms with purpose-built modular classrooms from Vertis Buildings can provide a long-term, practical solution tailored to the needs of your individual school.

1. Durable and sustainable: Built with Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), our modular classrooms are robust, well-insulated, and energy efficient, reducing heating and cooling costs.

1. Quick to build: As we prefabricate our SIPs off-site, the construction process is faster and cleaner than traditional builds. In fact, we can normally install our modular classrooms in a matter of weeks, even during term time, meaning minimal disruption to your school’s routine.

1. Moveable and adaptable: Unlike permanent structures, we can relocate and reconfigure our modular classrooms to meet your school’s evolving needs, such as fluctuating student populations or curriculum changes.

Designed with education in mind

Vertis Buildings’ designers will work with your school’s leadership team to deliver modular classrooms that enhance both teaching conditions and learning environments. In particular, we will help you:

• Optimise layouts: we are experts at designing for effective learning and classroom management.

• Create welcoming spaces: by providing good ventilation, natural light, and modern fixtures, we create a pleasant environment for students and staff.

• Maximise sustainability: by using the latest energy efficient building materials and designs, we’ll help you reduce your school’s environmental impact and lower its running costs.

Our thoughtful contemporary designs directly address the common challenges of older temporary classrooms, such as poor ventilation and inadequate space. Their modular construction makes them a superior choice for schools looking to upgrade their facilities on a tight budget and timescale.

Real-world success

Offley Endowed Primary School is an excellent example of our modular classrooms’ transformative impact on learning experiences. The school was struggling with a failing temporary classroom that was plagued by damp and mould. This was detrimental to both pupils and staff.

By replacing it with a modular building from Vertis, they gained a high-quality, energy efficient classroom tailored to their needs. The headteacher noted a dramatic improvement in teaching conditions and the overall learning environment. He was also impressed with our team’s speed and efficiency, with the old structure cleared and the new classroom built in just eight weeks.

Read the full story here.

Simplified installation: using Permitted Development Rights

A significant advantage of modular classrooms over permanent structures is their ease of installation. In many cases they don’t even require planning permission, thanks to Permitted Development Rights. This reduces the administrative burden on schools and speeds up the design and build.

For more details on these regulations, see our guide to Guide to Permitted Development Rights for Schools.

Free consultation and bespoke design

Vertis is delighted to offer you a free consultation to identify your school’s specific needs and recommend tailored solutions. We have experience of designing more than 100 modular buildings for schools, creating attractive classrooms that are affordable, efficient, and ideal for modern education.

Whether your school needs to replace outdated temporary classrooms, expand teaching spaces, or accommodate changing student numbers, we can help. Discover how Vertis can transform your learning environment by visiting Your new favourite classroom.