The DfE’s new CF25 framework is set to transform the way we build schools

Pinnacle project consultant Matt Hoy explains: “They’ve prioritised things that weren’t as strong in the previous framework, such as wellbeing, inclusive design, sensory needs, and there’s a much bigger emphasis on biophilia and bringing nature in.” 

This shift places pupils, staff and environmental performance at the centre of school design. It is the clearest sign yet that the DfE expects future learning environments to be healthier, cleaner, more sustainable and consistently high quality.  

More regional contractors, better local impact

By organising the framework into regional lots, CF25 opens opportunities for smaller, local contractors to become more involved.  

“Using local suppliers reduces transport costs and carbon emissions,” says Matt. “And it improves efficiency - less travel means fewer delays and a more reliable supply chain.”

 Local delivery not only supports regional economies but also deepens community engagement and reduces the carbon footprint associated with material and labour movement.

Moving away from ‘cheapest first’ towards long-term value

Previous frameworks often constrained budgets to the point where short-term decisions came before long-term outcomes, but CF25 shifts this balance.

 “It’s not about doing things the cheapest anymore,” Matt says. “It’s about doing things that will last, things that are better for the planet and better for the people using the building.” 

This means more durable materials, higher-quality specifications and designs that support modern learning needs, not just to meet minimum standards.

Sustainability a priority

One of the biggest transformations in CF25 is the elevation of sustainability from a background principle to a measurable requirement.

 For the first time, FF&E must report embodied carbon. The total greenhouse gas emissions associated with producing materials have never been formally required in FF&E packages before, but that will change under CF25. 

“We’ve never been asked to report embodied carbon before,” says Matt. “That’s a real shift. The DfE now wants proper data, not just vague gestures.” 

Pinnacle already provides cradle-to-gate carbon calculations for all fitted and loose furniture. These assessments include 

• emissions from raw materials
• manufacturing and assembly
• transportation
• biogenic carbon within materials 

Even though CF25 does not yet set embodied-carbon targets for FF&E, reporting will now be required, giving the DfE a baseline from which to set future limits.

Simplifying embodied carbon for schools 

At its core, embodied-carbon reporting ensures schools can choose products that: 

• use fewer virgin materials
• contain recycled content
• avoid petrochemical-heavy components
• support circular-economy principles

Matt explains: “It’s about reducing the amount of raw new materials, especially petrochemical plastics and choosing more sustainable options wherever possible.” 

Even staples like one-piece plastic classroom chairs are evolving. Major manufacturers now incorporate 30 - 40% recycled content, with some aiming for almost 100% in darker colours, where recycled polymers blend more easily.

Improving Indoor air quality with low-VOC materials

Healthy indoor environments are another major focus of CF25. For the first time, the DfE is setting strict limits on VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) in FF&E and finishes, requiring levels not to exceed 300 μg/m³ over eight hours.

Why does this matter? Matt explains: “All man-made materials off-gas something. That ‘new-car smell’? That’s chemicals. The DfE wants to protect indoor health, so VOCs need to be below a certain level. It’s about maintaining good, healthy air quality.” 

At Pinnacle, all our materials and furnishings have been through rigorous testing that ensures the materials are safe, compliant and non-toxic which is crucial with airtight, energy efficient buildings where poor air quality would be a real issue. 

How the building itself performs will also matter. Matt says: “They want to reduce the actual carbon in use, so that’s energy from all the machinery, heating solutions, ventilation, power, lighting. It’s about how much carbon the building uses when it’s occupied.”   

The Pattern Book - efficiency at the expense of creativity?

The DfE’s new Pattern Book aims to standardise repeatable school design elements, helping to speed delivery and reduce costs. Matt sees its value, but also acknowledges concerns. “The worry is everything ends up looking the same,” he admits.

 Pattern books don’t eliminate creativity entirely, they streamline essential elements such as: 

• classroom dimensions
• adjacency requirements
• circulation routes
• lighting and ventilation standards

The aim is to free designers to focus their creativity on performance, wellbeing and sustainability, rather than having to reinvent layouts from scratch.

How CF25 will impact FF&E in school design

For the first time, FF&E is fully embedded in the DfE’s sustainability, wellbeing and reporting requirements. This elevates the role of furniture from a late-stage afterthought to an integral part of the building’s environmental and educational performance.

“FF&E can’t be an afterthought,” explains Matt. “Lighting, acoustics, ventilation, etc, they all need to work together. Early involvement means the school gets a space that’s functional, efficient, durable and looks good.” 

Under CF25, FF&E suppliers must now demonstrate: 

• low-VOC materials 
• embodied-carbon reporting 
• responsible timber sourcing (FSC) 
• recyclability
• durability 
• transparency on supply chains

 Pinnacle’s long-standing approach already mirrors these expectations. The company integrates carbon assessments, lifecycle analysis and responsible procurement into every project and has contributed £70,000+ in furniture, sports equipment and white goods to UK and international charities.

A better future 

CF25 raises expectations for everyone involved in school construction. For contractors, it demands robust financial stability, digital capability, innovation, and clear sustainability credentials. For schools, it provides confidence that their projects will meet the highest standards. 

For Matt, the biggest benefit is how the framework will elevate collective performance: “Frameworks like CF25 create a level playing field. They drive collaboration and continuous improvement. The best ideas around carbon reduction, digital design, and circular economy can be shared across regions, raising standards for everyone.”

 A blueprint for next-generation learning spaces

Running from 2026 to 2032, if extended, CF25 will influence thousands of new projects. reshaping the country’s education estate into one that is more sustainable, healthier, more resilient and futureproof. 

This framework isn’t just about procurement. It’s a blueprint for a new era of school design, an era defined by climate responsibility, inclusive environments, and a renewed commitment to the long-term well-being of pupils and staff.

 “CF25 puts sustainability and quality at the forefront,” says Matt. “It challenges everyone - contractors, consultants, and FF&E specialists to build better. And that’s something we can all get behind.”