School renovation projects bring a host of benefits. Better facilities create more opportunities for staff and students, with research suggesting that well-designed and maintained school buildings positively impact pupil engagement, behaviour and attainment. Modern buildings also make schools cheaper to run, with millions of pounds currently being spent on services and maintenance that would not be needed in better-designed buildings. Clearly, school renovation projects can be a sound investment, but they can also be complex. 

60% of schools in England were built before 1976, and nine in 10 require urgent repairs or lack basic essentials such as adequate heating, lighting and ventilation. There’s also the disruption a school renovation can cause to the educational experience. That’s why you must approach major renovation projects cautiously and with the help of an experienced planning, building and project management team.

How to manage a school renovation project

A school renovation project can seem like a daunting task. The key is to break it down into a more manageable step-by-step process and seek the expertise you need. Here we provide guidance on school building renovation projects and outline the essential steps from the initial assessment to ongoing maintenance. 

Step 1: Evaluate the condition of the school 

Before you commence the renovation process, you need to know exactly what condition your buildings are in. That will help you determine your priorities and give you a more detailed understanding of the cost. 

A condition survey is a detailed inspection of the school estate. It provides information about the structural integrity of your buildings, the impact of wear and tear and the condition of essential systems such as the heating, plumbing and electrical. You can then identify the key areas for improvement. 

Depending on your priorities, you can also conduct an energy efficiency survey. It will identify areas where your energy use is high and provide recommendations for improvements you can make to reduce your school’s energy bill and carbon footprint. 

Step 2: Plan your school renovation

Once you have identified the areas most in need of renovation, the next step is to put a solid plan in place. To do that you should:

• Set your goals – Think about what you want to achieve and why.
• Create a budget – Estimate how much it will cost to achieve those goals. Your budget should cover every aspect of the project, including a contingency, and consider the availability of funding. Using a professional cost planning service is advisable for intermediate and major renovation projects. It will provide accurate budget estimates and comprehensive cost monitoring and control throughout the process.   
• Find sector-specific experts – Look for project managers with specific experience in school refurbishments. They will help you find skilled architectural designers and contractors who will help you create inspiring, functional and sustainable learning environments. They will also work to keep every stage of your project on track, from the planning and design to construction and completion.    

Step 3: Establish a timeline

Establishing an accurate timeline is key to reducing the disruption to your school. With the help of your project manager, you must assess each stage of the project to determine how long it will take and the likely disruption to your students’ and teachers’ timetables. 

You can implement steps to mitigate the disruption. For example, you may be able to complete the work after school hours or during a holiday or arrange temporary classrooms and facilities for students and staff.

Step 4: Implement health and safety measures

Construction sites are inherently hazardous, which is why, where possible, it’s advisable to schedule your school renovation project when no students are present. If you cannot finish the project out of hours, put a clear health and safety plan in place to protect students, staff and visitors.  

Step 5: Finalise the design

You want to design educational environments that are functional, aesthetically pleasing and flexible, but that also support learning and wellbeing. You should equip classrooms with the latest technology and have collaborative spaces where students can work together. Optimising natural light and ventilation can improve mood, concentration and air quality while implementing energy-efficient solutions will reduce running costs and environmental impact. 

Step 6: Embrace sustainable practices

Consider how you can do the following throughout the school renovation project:

• Choose eco-friendly materials – Use renewable materials with low environmental impact that can reduce operational costs.
• Implement waste reduction strategies – Think about how you’ll reduce waste during the renovation project and over the long term. 
• Promote energy efficiency – Install energy-efficient lighting and heating solutions, incorporate renewable energy sources such as solar panels and use environmentally friendly materials with excellent insulating properties. 

Grants including the Low Carbon Skills Fund and Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme can help you pay for these improvements.

Step 7: The construction work

This part of the project may involve renovating your existing space or tearing down and rebuilding parts of your school estate. The process can be complex and involve multiple subcontractors, which is why you need an experienced project manager to keep it on schedule and within budget. 

Step 8: Consider post-refurbishment maintenance

The work doesn’t stop when your school renovation project is complete. You must put an estate maintenance plan in place to keep your school estate in the best possible condition and prevent excessive wear and tear and expensive repairs. It will include details of the maintenance tasks on a weekly, monthly and annual basis. 

Preparing schools for the future

A school renovation is a serious undertaking that requires the assistance of experienced professionals with expertise in managing construction and improvement projects in the education sector. 

At Eddisons Education, we can provide professional guidance and practical assistance throughout your renovation project. From funding and planning to building and project management, we ensure successful outcomes for your estate. Find out more about our UK-wide services and get in touch to discuss your school renovation plans with our team.