How better school building design improves learning outcomes

Classroom environments that are too hot or too cold, too sunny, or too noisy and full of distractions, can make it hard for pupils to stay alert and focused when the school building design is not conducive to learning. At Vertis Buildings, we are dedicated to creating modern classrooms that help inspire students, support teachers and improve educational outcomes.

What is the impact of classroom design on student learning?

If you enjoy taking a walk to clear your head or staring at nature to relax, you appreciate what scientists have known for years: our environment strongly influences how we think and feel. Similarly, researchers have found that classroom design plays a critical role in education. When school buildings create a welcoming environment, they not only promote good mental health but also make it easier to accommodate different learning styles and personalities.

Researchers at Salford University found that an optimised learning environment can boost academic progress in primary school pupils by as much as 16% in a single year. Space, layout, acoustics, ventilation, lighting and colour all play an important role in this optimisation process. That’s why, at Vertis, we use these elements carefully to design classrooms that support engagement, promote creativity, and encourage collaborative learning.

All our school building designs meet or exceed Department for Education (DfE) best practice guidance. This ensures that our classrooms provide ideal conditions for promoting student well-being and improving academic attainment. Read on to find out how we can support your school’s ambitions.

How to create an effective classroom environment for learning

Space and layout

Classroom layout plays an important role in creating effective learning environments. Research has found that good designs not only prevent behavioural issues but also maximise teaching time. That’s why our designers don’t simply ensure our classrooms meet DfE standards for space per pupil.

They also seek to create flexible layouts that allow for different seating arrangements (such as semi-circles or group worktables). These can significantly improve learning outcomes by fostering collaboration and reducing disruptive behaviour. Providing dedicated areas for quiet study and small group work also allows pupils to move around and find spaces that suit their learning preferences.

Ventilation and air quality

Modern ventilation and air conditioning systems are vital to healthy classrooms, particularly as UK summers become hotter and more humid. Vertis integrates energy-efficient Passivent mixed-mode hybrid ventilation systems into their classroom buildings. These extract stale air, replacing it with fresh air, so preventing a buildup of CO₂, which can impair student concentration.

Temperature control

Harvard researchers have found that test scores start dropping when temperatures rise above 20°C. There is a particularly sharp decline once they move above 30°C. By maintaining a steady and comfortable temperature in our classrooms, Vertis helps students stay alert and focused for longer.

Acoustic design

Good sound insulation is critical for maintaining an effective learning environment, particularly in urban settings where outside noise can be distracting. Insulated classroom windows and doors, along with acoustic-rated ceiling tiles, reduce reverberation, ensuring students can hear their teacher's voice clearly. This is especially important for children with special educational needs (SEN) who are often more sensitive to their acoustic environment.

Natural and artificial lighting

Natural light improves mood, reduces stress, and increases attention, particularly when focusing on specific tasks. A well-lit classroom, with ample daylight (supported by daylight-coloured LED lighting in winter), helps create a positive learning environment.

Classrooms with views of nature, such as gardens or playing fields, also help reduce stress and improve concentration. However, the glare of sunlight can be disruptive, particularly when students are using PCs. Using blinds for shade and north-facing windows can help maintain a healthy balance.

Colour and aesthetics

Light-coloured internal finishes can also help reflect and diffuse natural light. This reduces the need for artificial lighting and creates a feeling of space, which is known to aid study. That sense of openness reduces stress, which enables students to think more freely and connect abstract ideas.

Safety and security

Security is unfortunately, a growing concern for schools, which is why modern classroom design must balance openness with safety. Features such as windows shaded with blinds not only prevent excessive heat and glare but provide an important element of privacy. Secure, lockable doors and controlled access points also ensure that pupils and staff feel safe within their learning environment.

Delivering positive learning environments for schools

Meeting the needs of SEND pupils

Vertis recently designed and built a new classroom at Weatherfield Academy, specifically for students with SEND requirements. Assistant Headteacher Liam Meenan was delighted, saying it was “more spacious, airy, warmer in winter, with more natural light.” Students particularly like the improved access to the outside area provided by bifold doors. By enhancing the overall experience, the school has seen higher attendance and created a more positive learning environment.

Replacing tired, old ‘temporary’ classrooms

Sutton Valence School chose Vertis to replace a temporary classroom block with a modern building containing three new classrooms. The Bursar, Carlos Nasiry, praised the transformation: “The old building was uninspiring; it would get cold in winter and hot in summer. Vertis have created more space, with high ceilings and large windows that let natural light flood in.”

Why Choose Vertis Buildings?

We can tailor our school building designs to meet the needs of your teachers, students, and the wider school community. Our projects exceed modern building standards, providing:

Energy-efficient design – Our buildings exceed thermal insulation and air-tightness requirements, delivering sustainable operations with low running costs.
LED lighting and climate control – Our classrooms include energy-efficient LED lighting, air-to-air heat pumps, and ventilation systems to maintain a comfortable learning environment.
Flexible, future-proof designs – We design our classrooms for adaptability, ensuring that they can meet your school’s changing needs over time.

At Vertis, we know how critical the classroom environment is to educational outcomes. By prioritising smart school building design, we help create effective learning spaces that support student success.

Find out how we can help improve your school’s learning environment, book your free, no obligation call today: contact Vertis Buildings.