In the know this summer… a planned approach to transforming education interiors

Summer refurbishments provide education facilities with a practical opportunity to upgrade their environments with minimal disruption. With reduced footfall across schools, colleges and universities, estates teams can carry out essential works more efficiently, ensuring spaces are ready for the new academic year. Flooring plays a central role in these upgrades, influencing safety, durability, hygiene and overall performance across a wide range of environments.

Department for Education (DfE) guidance sets clear expectations for flooring, focusing on durability, slip resistance, ease of maintenance and suitability for specific use cases. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, flooring must be selected based on the demands of each individual space. High-traffic areas such as corridors and entrances require robust, slip-resistant materials, while classrooms and libraries benefit from solutions that support acoustics and comfort. Specialist areas, including sports halls, laboratories and wet environments, demand more technical performance, from shock absorption to chemical resistance and enhanced hygiene.