School design

We help clients, such as local authorities and schools, to create well-designed learning environments.

Read our school design publications for practical advice.

We also promote built environment education among teachers through our education programme and Engaging Places.

Latest additions

School refurbishment

The design quality of a refurbished school can make the difference between a successful project and an expensive failure. Here we offer introductory advice to help teams avoid common mistakes and get the most from their refurbishment projects.

School design at CABE

Creating excellent secondary schools: a guide for clients

A guide for all involved in the design and building of new secondary school projects, providing practical advice for each stage of the schools building process, from vision to completion.

10 criteria for successful school design

As a design proposal develops, it is important to test it - against the specific brief for the project and against some universal principles of good school design.

Assessing secondary school design quality

CABE's research report into the design quality of schools built between 2000 and 2005.

Being involved in school design: a guide

A guide for school communities, local authorities, funders and design and construction teams to being involved in the school building process. Its 10 case studies provide examples of efficient involvement across a range of school building projects.

Achieving well-designed schools through private finance initiative (PFI)

Uses CABE's experience and knowledge of best practice to help the main stakeholders, particularly the client, private sector partner and the school community achieve well-designed new and refurbished schools through the private finance initiative (PFI).

School design on the web

Department for Education

Government department funding school building and refurbishment.

Partnerships for Schools

Non-departmental body managing and delivering the government's capital investment in schools.

4ps

Local government procurement advisors, who run the expert client programme.

Learning through Landscapes

Charitable trust promoting better use of school grounds.

National College for Leadership of Schools and Children’s Services

Supporting school leaders in developing their vision for future learning and managing the change.

Every Child Matters

Placing better outcomes for children and young people at the centre of all policies and approaches involving children's services.

Schools for the Future

Teachernet website explaining the building programme and curriculum.

Extended Schools

BREEAM

Assessing the environmental performance of buildings.

Design quality indicator

A tool to assist with the briefing, development and evaluation stages of a project.