Why modern modular learning spaces are built for today’s schools

Parents may remember times during their childhood when they had to sit in dull and unappealing mobile classrooms while a part of their school building was being rebuilt or renovated.

These memories can cause them to worry that today’s modular classrooms are offering their children a lesser learning experience than if they were studying in permanent school buildings.

However, Portakabin® has detailed how modern modular classrooms can provide safe, inspiring environments where children can learn and thrive. Portakbin is the UK’s leading modular solutions provider.

Modular classrooms do not compromise on quality

It is often thought that the building quality is compromised when it comes to the construction of a modular classroom. They are seen as an afterthought and a sign that educational authorities do not care much about working-class school children. But this is far from reality.

Modular building providers like Portakabin work alongside the Department for Education (DfE) on many modular education facility projects. The providers work to meet or even exceed the latest permanent building regulations.

Nick Griffin, divisional MD at Portakabin, said:

“Our work alongside the DfE has allowed us to build bespoke modules on certain projects, to the point where you would never know that the building is modular.

“A great example is the Unity Academy, a purpose-built primary Alternative Provision in Kidderminster that was awarded to us under the DfE MMC1 framework and was manufactured entirely by using Modern Methods of Construction.

“With thorough inspections and testing procedures planned out at every stage of a modular classroom’s development, modular buildings actually now often surpass the quality, durability and safety aspects of a traditional education facility.”

The number of overcrowded classrooms can be reduced

Educational establishments throughout England are facing major problems with overcrowded classrooms. According to the latest official school capacity data produced by the DfE, 24 per cent of state-funded secondary schools and 16 per cent of state-funded primary schools across the country were at or over capacity as of the 2023/24 academic year.

An investigation by Schools Week using government statistics has also suggested that an estimated two thirds of the nation’s specialist schools are currently either full or over capacity.

Overcrowding in any classroom is an issue that must be regularly monitored and addressed, as it can cause:

• learners to become anxious, stressed and feeling negative about their school life, because it is difficult to concentrate in crowded and noisy classroom environments
• teachers to also become stressed and even suffer from burnout, as they try to manage behaviour and ensure learning of all pupils
• the quality of a young person’s education to be compromised, as teachers struggle to personalise their instruction to certain students when they need this extra help.
• less time spent actually learning a subject, with more minutes wasted just setting up activities and introducing a lesson.
• an increase in illness rates among both students and teachers, as crowded rooms make it easier for germs to spread.

Jashan Bahad, education key account manager at Portakabin, said:

“Of course, it may be late into the current school year before an educational establishment finds out what the full pupil intake numbers will be for the next year. This may mean they have to get additional classrooms and facilities in place in a very short timeframe.

“Fortunately, modular building specialists like Portakabin can react immediately to meet these types of urgent demands, ensuring an education provider has all the buildings they need ready for the start of the new school year.”

A student’s education can be enriched

There are various elements of a modular classroom’s design which can enhance the educational environment. IT can improve the learning experience of those studying within them.

For one, these structures are built with the latest in modern classroom technology. Educational furniture providers, Classroom Direct, noted that state-of-the-art features, such as apps and interactive boards, can often help students to pay more attention in classes and engage more during a lesson.

The setup of a modern modular school building also means that they can be used for much more than just a classroom. Structures can be tailored to house spacious lecture theatres. They can even be made into specialist subject environments for the likes of sports halls, laboratories and music rooms.

Modular classrooms are known to be well-ventilated spaces. This is an advantage to a student’s education according to a 2021 Lancet study. The National Education Union report found clear evidence of  good ventilation impact on improved cognitive function and test scores. Pupils in the study were also found to have reduced asthma and respiratory symptoms. They were even recorded to have missed less school days.

Another appealing design feature of a modular classroom is that areas are set out so that they can bring in plenty of natural light. This, of course, makes for a bright and welcoming environment. However, daylight in a building plays a part in improving human performance and accelerating their productivity level, according to a paper published by ScienceDirect.

A two-storey teaching facility at Ninestiles School in Birmingham uses a modular design by Portakabin. The school’s Principal, Christine Quinn, praised the design and features found within the structure. She said:

“We really love the new building. Its design is fresh and modern, and the use of glass makes it light and airy.

“Two of the classrooms on each floor can be opened up into one large flexible space, which allows more creative use of the teaching accommodation.”

Modular classrooms are constructed with the safety of pupils in mind

Modular classrooms are built away from an educational facility. Off-site construction means that disruption on the school site is minimal, with installs taking days or weeks.

Brendan Cornick, head of HSE at Portakabin, explains:

“This means that students and teachers do not need to see part of their school or college turned into a construction site for many months at a time, which can be noisy, intrusive and sometimes even hazardous.”

Jashan Bahad, who is also a school governor, advises:

“Parents who are governors should enquire with their school on any space or capacity difficulties that the educational establishment is currently facing.

“Once this information has been gathered, they should get in touch with a modular building provider like Portakabin to find out more about how these innovative structures can help to create modern learning spaces.”