As we look ahead to 2027, school estate planning is becoming an increasingly important priority for Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) across the UK.
With multiple school buildings to manage, ongoing maintenance costs and pressure on budgets, trusts need to take a more strategic approach to looking after their facilities. The aim is to create safe, welcoming and fit-for-purpose learning environments while making the best use of available funding. From building maintenance and energy efficiency to accessibility and washroom improvements, there are several areas that deserve attention when planning for the year ahead. So, what should Multi-Academy Trusts be prioritising in 2027?
1. Taking a Proactive Approach to School Maintenance
One of the biggest challenges for MATs is keeping on top of maintenance across multiple school sites.
Small problems can quickly become larger and more expensive if they are left unresolved. Leaking taps, damaged flooring, faulty plumbing and ageing facilities can all lead to disruption for staff and pupils. Rather than waiting for something to break, trusts should look at planned maintenance programmes that identify areas requiring attention before they become urgent. This means carrying out regular condition surveys, reviewing maintenance records and creating a clear picture of the work needed across every school. A proactive approach helps trusts plan spending more effectively and reduces the risk of unexpected repair costs.
2. Improving School Washroom Facilities
Washrooms are an important part of the school environment, but they can sometimes be overlooked when larger building projects take priority. However, poor washroom facilities can have a real impact on pupils and staff. Outdated cubicles, damaged surfaces, poor ventilation and unreliable plumbing can make everyday facilities uncomfortable and difficult to maintain. For pupils, clean, safe and well-maintained washrooms are essential. They also play a part in creating a positive impression of the school.
As part of their 2027 estate plans, MATs should review the condition of washrooms across all their schools and identify where refurbishment would make the biggest difference.
A well-planned washroom refurbishment can include:
- Replacing old and damaged toilet cubicles.
- Installing modern, durable fixtures and fittings.
- Improving ventilation and lighting.
- Upgrading washroom plumbing and pipework where required.
- Choosing easy-to-clean materials that help reduce ongoing maintenance.
- Improving privacy, accessibility and overall layout.
Refurbishing existing facilities can also be a practical alternative to a much larger building project, helping trusts make better use of their budgets. At Interfix Washrooms, we understand the importance of creating washroom environments that are practical, durable and suitable for busy school settings.
3. Making Better Use of Available Budgets
Budget management remains a key consideration for school estates teams. With several schools under one trust, it is important to understand where investment is most urgently needed and how funding can be allocated fairly and effectively. Not every school will have the same requirements. One site may need significant washroom improvements, while another may require wider building maintenance or upgrades to its heating and electrical systems.
MATs should consider:
- Which facilities are in the poorest condition?
- Where are repair costs becoming increasingly expensive?
- Which improvements will have the biggest impact on pupils and staff?
- Can planned works be combined to reduce costs?
- Which projects can be delivered during school holidays?
Taking a trust-wide view makes it easier to compare priorities and develop a realistic programme of improvements. It also helps avoid spending money on repeated short-term repairs when a longer-term refurbishment would offer better value.
4. Creating Safer and More Accessible Facilities
Every pupil should feel comfortable and safe using the facilities available at their school. Accessibility should therefore be an important part of estate planning for 2027. When reviewing washrooms, trusts should consider whether existing facilities meet the needs of all pupils, including those with additional needs or mobility requirements. This may involve improving access routes, reviewing cubicle sizes, considering accessible toilet provision and making sure facilities are easy to use. Safety is equally important. Damaged flooring, broken fittings, poor lighting and faulty plumbing can all create unnecessary risks.
A refurbishment provides an opportunity to address these issues and create facilities that are suitable for the needs of the school community.
5. Choosing Durable Materials That Reduce Long-Term Costs
When planning refurbishment work, it is important to look beyond the initial cost of a project. Schools experience high levels of daily use, meaning materials and fittings need to withstand regular cleaning, heavy use and general wear and tear. Choosing cheaper materials may appear to save money initially, but frequent repairs and replacements can increase costs over time.
For washroom refurbishments, MATs should look for:
- Hard-wearing toilet cubicles.
- Durable ironmongery and fittings.
- Water-resistant wall and floor finishes.
- Easy-to-clean surfaces.
- Reliable plumbing and sanitaryware.
Investing in quality materials can help extend the lifespan of facilities and reduce the need for ongoing maintenance. The goal should be to create washrooms that continue to look good and perform well for years to come.
6. Planning Refurbishment Work Around the School Calendar
One of the biggest considerations when carrying out work in schools is minimising disruption. Washroom refurbishments and other improvement projects need to be planned carefully to avoid affecting lessons, staff and pupils. For many schools, the summer holidays provide the best opportunity to complete larger refurbishment projects. However, half-term breaks and other school holidays can also be suitable for smaller works.
MATs should start discussing their requirements early, allowing enough time for site assessments, quotations, planning and scheduling. Working with an experienced refurbishment contractor can also help ensure projects are properly organised and completed within the agreed timescale. Early planning gives trusts more flexibility and reduces the pressure of trying to organise essential works at short notice.
7. Developing a Long-Term Estates Strategy
The most successful school estate plans look beyond the next 12 months. For MATs, having a clear long-term estates strategy makes it easier to understand the condition of every school, identify future investment requirements and plan improvements over several years. The Department for Education’s latest guidance encourages schools and responsible bodies to take a more strategic approach to estate management, considering building condition, suitability, resilience and sustainability. This means looking at the whole school environment rather than treating individual maintenance issues in isolation.
Washroom facilities should form part of this wider review.
By identifying which schools need refurbishment now and which may require improvements in the future, trusts can develop a planned programme of investment rather than relying on reactive repairs.
How Interfix Washrooms Can Help
At Interfix Washrooms, we understand that school washrooms need to do more than simply look good. They need to be practical, durable and designed to cope with the demands of a busy educational environment. We recognise the challenges faced by Multi-Academy Trusts when managing facilities across multiple school sites. Careful planning, reliable workmanship and suitable materials are all important when delivering refurbishment projects. Whether your school needs a complete washroom refurbishment or improvements to existing facilities, investing in the right upgrades can make a real difference to pupils, staff and the long-term condition of your buildings. As you begin planning your facilities priorities for 2027, now is a good time to review your school washrooms and identify where improvements are needed.
Planning a school washroom refurbishment for 2027?
Get in touch with Interfix Washrooms to discuss your requirements and find out how we can help improve your school facilities.
