False Economy

A study by the School of the Built Environment at the University of Salford, which started in 2011, found that a well-designed classroom can improve pupils’ academic progress by up to 25% over a year. Research has also highlighted the importance of well-designed spaces in fostering comfort, community, and safety—qualities vital for students who struggle with traditional teaching models. 

I saw the importance of well-thought-out learning spaces first-hand as a teacher. I taught maths and physics in schools where the default classroom layout had desks arranged in rows, all facing the front. While functional, this setup made it hard to engage students and inspire a love for the subject. It wasn’t until I started rearranging the desks on Fridays—creating groups for collaborative work—that I saw a significant change. The shift in dynamics was palpable. Students enjoyed working together, discussing real-world problems like discount coupons, and things they could relate to in their lives. Suddenly, the energy in the room changed, and the lesson became something they actively wanted to engage with.

This simple change in layout showed me how classroom design can influence learning. At Pinnacle, we’ve seen similar transformations on school projects we’ve worked on across the country. For example, at John Lyon School in North-West London, we created a science lab with desks arranged in a horseshoe shape. This setup allows the teacher to stand in the middle of the room, engaging all students rather than letting some hide at the back. The result is a more dynamic and inclusive lesson environment, where everyone is involved, contributing, and learning.

As a teacher, I spent considerable time planning seating arrangements to ensure all the students could be seen. This time-consuming task was necessary because, in traditional layouts, some students are always overlooked, leading to disengagement. Yet, if classroom design could be better integrated into the government’s school funding priorities, these issues could be addressed from the outset.

It’s frustrating because the focus on school design often fails to account for the needs of the students and teachers—the end users. For example, let’s take the design of a school library, to create an effective library space, the input of teachers is invaluable. Should the space be a traditional library or serve as a multi-functional learning hub where lessons can take place? Without factoring in how the space will be used, the design becomes disconnected from its purpose.

At East Calder Primary School in Scotland, a new school design included thoughtful breakout spaces, soft seating, and reading nooks that encouraged children to spend time independently. This approach shows how simple design features can have a lasting impact on student engagement.

I see it first-hand with my children. Two of them attend primary school, and when their school library was revamped a few years ago, they were thrilled. It became a space they wanted to visit, a place that made them excited to go to school. When children feel valued and see that their environment is designed with care, it fosters a sense of pride and ownership. This, in turn, leads to a sense of belonging.

For example, at Acland Burghley sixth-form, we installed soft furnishings as part of a renovation. We expected the space to be trashed by the sixth formers, but when we returned 18 months later, it was pristine. The students had taken care of it, appreciating the thoughtful design and the idea they were worth investing in.

A good learning environment also supports emotional well-being. I worked in a school where most students were disadvantaged. Many of them used my bog standard office as a sanctuary—a quiet space to retreat to when the pressures of school life became overwhelming. These experiences highlight the importance of design when it comes to the emotional and psychological support students need.

The demands on schools today are greater than ever. My wife works in a preschool and sees children arriving with increasingly complex needs. Schools are not just places for academic learning; they are also hubs for social development, mental health support, and community building. The right design can holistically support all these needs.

The government should also consider the future of work when planning educational spaces. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2023, nearly a quarter of jobs will change in the next five years. The skills required for tomorrow’s workforce—such as creative thinking, collaboration, problem-solving, and communication—are best nurtured in an active, engaging learning environment. Flexible learning spaces that allow for collaboration and hands-on, project-based work are essential for developing these skills.

Biophilic design, which incorporates natural elements like light, plants, and open spaces, has also been shown to reduce stress, boost concentration, and enhance engagement. This kind of design benefits students not only academically but also their overall well-being.
Sustainability is also crucial. We are teaching children to be the guardians of the planet and we must lead by example. Yet, tight budgets often force schools to make compromises. At Pinnacle, we use recycled materials and avoid materials like MDF, which is one of the worst for the environment.

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a responsibility that can be addressed in thoughtful and responsible school design.
Unfortunately, the education system often prioritises cheap, short-term solutions. Many schools are outfitted with furniture that lasts only six months—products that look good when new but quickly wear out. This quick fix sends the wrong message to students about their worth and the value of their education. When we cut corners on design and materials, we undermine the environment in which learning happens.

Ultimately, the message I’d give to the government is simple: create spaces that are comfortable, flexible and adaptable. Curricula change over time, and the needs of schools evolve. Having spaces that can be reconfigured—like our modular Konvolve system, which is durable and practical —can ensure that classrooms remain relevant and functional for years to come.

If the funding for classroom fit-out was increased by even a small percentage, the impact on the school environment would be transformative. The way a school looks and feels has a direct impact on the students who pass through it. Safe, functional, and inspiring spaces allow both students and teachers to thrive.
Yes, schools need to be safe, and yes, they need to be structurally sound, but that should be a given.

The real value lies in creating learning environments that support engagement, foster creativity, and help students feel like they matter. The government should stop treating classroom design as an afterthought and start seeing it as a vital investment in the future of our children, and our world. Without this shift, the false economy will continue—one where schools spend too little on spaces that could have a far-reaching impact on the students they serve.

Mark Allen teaching a class at Newbattle High School, Midlothian, as part of a CSR event with Morrison Construction.