Education Property Issue 07 February-March 2025

02/2025

FEBRUARY-MARCH 2025

Real estate experts predict education

property market trends for 2025

We reveal the winners of the

National NMT Nursery Awards

A new report explores how

improving older buildings can

meet carbon reduction targets

EDUCATION-PROPERTY.COM

Comment

W E L C O M E

New year, same pressures

I would like to wish a very happy

new year to all our readers.

2024 was a challenging 12

months for the education property

sector, with ongoing construction

cost increases, supply chain issues,

and a change of government

creating nervousness in the

market, particularly in the first

half of the year.

But in the early years and

independent education sectors,

there was an increase in activity as

operators reacted to the Labour

manifesto promises around the

introduction of VAT on private

school fees and the expansion

of government-funded early

years provision.

As we move into 2025, investors, financiers, and

developers remain cautious as to the impact of Labour’s

first budget, with predictions that the market will be slow

in the first quarter before picking up later in the year.

To provide some guidance and insight into what this

will mean going forward, we have quizzed some of the

leading experts in the sector to get their views on the

likely direction of travel across all areas of education.

You can read their thoughts in our report on page ??

Elsewhere in this edition, in the Design and

Construction section (p36) we look at how to

create child-centric nursery spaces and find out why

renovation projects are increasing in popularity over

new-build schemes.

In November, Education

Property magazine publisher,

Nexus Media Group held the 2024

National NMT Nursery Awards.

Among the trophies handed out

at the ceremony were Best Nursery

Indoor Learning Environment,

Best Nursery Outdoor Learning

Environment of the Year, and

Nursery Chef of the Year.

And, in this edition you can

read more about the winners

in each of these categories,

including an interview with

top chef, Peter Ttofis, whose

forward-thinking approach is

revolutionising nutrition in early

years settings (p26).

There are also regular articles on

the latest education construction projects and land and

property deals, plus we find out how educational settings

are meeting tough carbon reduction targets, and look at

the security needs of schools.

During 2025, we want to her your thoughts on

the market. In the next edition we will be covering

infrastructure procurement and will be doing a special

report on the race to net zero.

Email me, joanne.makosinski@nexusgroup.co.uk,

if you can help.

Jo Makosinski

Editor

Education Property

About Jo: Jo is the editor of Education Property, having

joined Nexus Media in November 2023.

She has been specialising in design and construction

best practice for the past 16 years, working on the

Building Better Healthcare Awards and editing both

Building Better Healthcare and Healthcare Design &

Management magazines.

She has a special interest in the design of public

buildings, including schools, nurseries, colleges, hospitals,

health centres, and libraries.

EDUCATION-PROPERTY.COM FEBRUARY-MARCH 2025 | 3

Contents

Chief executive officer

Alex Dampier

Chief operating officer

Sarah Hyman

Chief marketing officer

Julia Payne

Editor

Joanne Makosinski

joanne.makosinski@nexusgroup.co.uk

Reporter and subeditor

Charles Wheeldon

Advertising & event sales director

Caroline Bowern

Business development executive

Kirsty Parks

Head of content

David Farbrother

Head of marketing

Carrie Lee

Publisher

Harry Hyman

6-12 News

We round up the latest big stories,

including news that Goldman

Sachs has re-entered the PBSA

market; and new reports on the

state of education buildings in

England and Scotland

13

13-15 Projects

The latest design and construction

projects from across all

education sub sectors

26

24-30 Awards

We reveal the winners of the 2024

National NMT Nursery Awards,

including an interview with the

winner of Nursery Chef of the Year

32-34 Finance and Property

Deals

The latest property deals,

acquisitions, and mergers from

across the sector

Investor Publishing Ltd, 3rd Floor,

10 Rose & Crown Yard, King Street,

London, SW1Y 6RE

Tel: 020 7104 2000

Website: www.education-property.com

Education Property is published six times a year

by Investor Publishing Ltd.

ISSN 3033-3458

© Investor Publishing Limited 2025

The views expressed in Healthcare Property

are not necessarily those of the editor or publishers.

@edu_prop

linkedin.com/company/education-property-magazine/

16

16-19 Policy

The Institute for Fiscal Studies

publishes a new report on

education funding; and school

leaders voice their concern over

government SEND guidance

20

20-22 Market Analysis

Real estate leaders predict what

is in store for the education

property sector in 2025

38

36-42 Design and Construction

The latest construction industry

news, plus how to deliver

wellbeing-focused early years

settings, and guidance on school

building renovation projects

44-45 Estates and Facilities

Management

How the sector can stay

ahead of emerging security

challenges and safeguard its

most-valuable assets

46-50 Environmental

Exploring the education sector’s

net zero carbon challenge,

featuring a new report on legacy

buildings in the university sector,

and how Hull schools are using

funding to drive energy efficiency


News

Green light for campus overhaul

Brent Council has approved

a significant hybrid planning

application which will see the

redevelopment of the College

of North West London’s

(CNWL) campuses.

Planning permission

was granted in December

for two major schemes

within the borough.

The first, in Willesden, will see

CNWL’s Dudden Hill campus

transformed to deliver 1,627

new homes, shops, a gym

and workspace, a community

facility and nursery, as well as

improvements to public green

spaces at Dudden Hill Green

and Selbie Avenue.

And, in Wembley, the Crescent

House site will be redeveloped to

provide a further 304 new homes,

with 20% affordable homes

across the two locations.

These two developments

will fund the delivery of a new

college building in Fulton Road,

Wembley, which was approved

earlier this year.

United Colleges Group (UCG),

which brings together the College

of North West London and City

of Westminster College, has

acquired the site of the Olympic

Office Centre in Wembley for

the new campus.

Once completed, it will bring

new jobs to Wembley and the

wider Brent area and will offer

opportunities for young people

and adults of all ages to improve

their skills, advance their careers,

and gain valuable experience.

Green skills, including

engineering and the built

environment, will be the focus of

the ambitious new facility, which

will also offer classes in digital

technology, computing, and

health and social care subjects.

Stephen Davis, group principal

and chief executive of UCG, said:

“I am delighted that we have

reached another milestone in our

new campus journey.

“With Brent Council’s latest

decision, we are another step

closer to delivering best-in-class

facilities that will meet the skills

needs for the area.

“Our proposed new site will

deliver more education, training,

and skills opportunities for our

students and will provide the

community with an important

facility to work and learn.

“This development promises to

significantly enhance educational

and residential infrastructure,

reflecting a forward-thinking

approach to urban renewal.

WilkinsonEyre has been

appointed to design the new

campus, which is now awaiting

final approval from the Greater

London Authority.

Arranged over eight storeys, the

architectural concept organises

the different college activities

in a series of easily-identifiable

horizontal layers.

Workshops dedicated to heavyduty

construction engineering are

located at the base of the building,

while higher floors are dedicated

to student services, such as a

cafeteria, TV studios, and a large

outdoor deck with views towards

the Wembley Arch.

A linear atrium at the centre of

the building creates connections

between the various functions.

The five floors above the student

services area are dedicated to

classrooms and social study

spaces and are arranged in

a flexible manner to allow for

reconfiguration and adaptation to

the changing needs of students.

All spaces are designed to

be naturally ventilated with

decentralised mechanical

ventilation and heat

recovery systems.

During the design process,

computer modelling has been

used to predict student movement

throughout the day and to

design lifts, elevators, and open

stairs accordingly.

And WilkinsonEyre worked

with Max Fordham and Eckersley

O’Callaghan engineers to reduce

the associated carbon emissions

required by the London Plan 2021

and BREEAM version 6.

6 | FEBRUARY-MARCH 2025 EDUCATION-PROPERTY.COM

News

Education leads receive honours

Nearly 60 people were singled

out for their impact on the

education sector in the 2025

New Year’s Honours List.

Among those were several

people involved in the design,

maintenance, and delivery of

estates and facilities services.

As the list was announced, the

Department for Education paid

special tribute to Timothy ‘Beech’

Williamson OBE, who tragically

died shortly after finding out

about his nomination.

Beech, an architect in the

department’s Design, Operations

and Infrastructure Group, was

known to those in the wider

education building world for his

forensic knowledge and early

adoption of technology in design.

He joined the department

in 1986 as an architectural

assistant and was instrumental

in cross-government work

Susan Dawson

around standardisation, modern

methods of construction, and

net zero carbon.

More recently, he worked to get

better outdoor spaces on school

sites and improve the standard

of building provision to benefit

children with special educational

needs and disabilities (SEND).

A devoted father and husband,

Beech died over the festive period

after a period of illness.

Other recipients included

Professor Bashir Mohammed,

vice-president of research and

innovation at King’s College

London, who received a

knighthood for services to

engineering and education; and

Susan Dawson, commercial

director for schools commercial

and operations at the Department

for Education, was made an

Officer of the Order of the

British Empire (OBE).

Dawson said: “I would never

have imaged when I joined the

civil service as an admin assistant

exactly 35 years ago today that I

would be given this recognition.

“This means more than words

can express, but I could not have

achieved this without the support

of my colleagues, family, and

friends throughout my career.

“I am incredibly proud of the

work we do in the civil service and

in particular the positive impact

we make in the Department

for Education and across the

Government commercial function.

“As a proud Yorkshire woman,

I have been privileged to

progress my career in the region,

and I hope this recognition

inspires others to believe they

can do the same.”

Honours were also handed

out to facilities staff, with Sarah

Kelly, unit catering supervisor for

the Northern Ireland Education

Authority; and Ann Rooke,

cleaning supervisor at Castle

Douglas High School in Dumfries

and Galloway, being made a

Medallists of the Order of the

British Empire.

Student living bolsters real estate market

The UK real estate market in 2025 is set

to offer a diverse range of opportunities,

with student housing in the top five

key growth areas.

Alongside build-to-rent (BTR), co-living

spaces, hotels, and offices; student housing

presents promising avenues for investment

despite ongoing economic uncertainties,

according to Daniel Austin, chief executive and

co-founder of ASK Partners.

However, navigating challenges such

as tax increases, inflationary pressures,

and tightening environmental regulations

will be crucial.

“While 2024 proved challenging, marked by

recovery from the 2020 lockdown and shifts in

interest rate policy, ASK successfully navigated

these hurdles,” Austin said.

“By bolstering our loan book with incomeproducing

assets, the firm has mitigated

default risks, completing 20 loans in the

year to end of October, and has now £1.7bn

without capital loss.

“With a clear understanding of emerging

trends and a commitment to innovative

strategies, ASK believes that investors in 2025

can position themselves to achieve significant

returns in this evolving market.”

According to its research, student living

continues to thrive as a standout sector in real

estate, offering resilience and strong growth

potential in a challenging market and yields

stable between 4.5%-5.5%.

University towns like Oxford, Cambridge,

and Bristol lead the way, driven by

consistent demand, double-digit rental

growth post-COVID, and rising numbers

of international students seeking highquality

accommodation.

“Investors who understand the cyclical

dynamics of these cities, shaped by league

table performance and regional factors, are

well placed to capitalise,” said Austin.

“New approaches are reshaping the market,

with firms creating funds for forward-funded

or joint-venture projects to bypass traditional

private equity reliance.”

However, developers face headwinds,

including rising refinancing costs and stricter

lending criteria.

“Collaboration is growing, with calls for

a special-purpose lobbying group to unite

universities, councils, and developers in

overcoming sector barriers,” said Austin.

“Amid strong demand, robust returns, and

creative solutions, student living stands out as

a compelling investment opportunity for 2025.”

• Turn to page 17 to see more predictions

for the sector in 2025


News

Investor re-enters PBSA market

Global investment firm, Goldman Sachs, has

announced a £110m joint venture (JV) deal which

sees the company return to the UK student

housing market.

The news comes five years after the firm sold its entire

iQ Student Accommodation portfolio to Blackstone

for £4.6bn in one of the largest-ever private real estate

transactions in the UK.

Goldman Sachs Alternatives has now teamed up with

student accommodation operator, Generation Partners,

to purchase Purpose-Built Student Accommodation

(PBSA) sites in Bournemouth and Cardiff from insurer, AIG,

it is reported.

The sites — the 430-bed Skyline development in

Oxford Road, Bournemouth; and the 477- bed Bridge

Street Exchange scheme in Cardiff — were part of AIG’s

‘Halo’ portfolio.

Under the new partnership, Generation will act as the

asset and development manager, while dedicated student

accommodation operating platform, Now Student Living,

will act as property manager.

Chris Semones, managing director for real estate at

Goldman Sachs Alternatives, said: “We are excited to

re-enter the student market and work with Generation

on the acquisition of Skyline and Bridge Street Exchange,

two high-quality PBSA assets in Bournemouth and

Cardiff respectively.

FAVOURABLE CONDITIONS

“This investment fits well with our continued conviction

in the UK PBSA sector, which is supported by favourable

demographic tailwinds and supply/demand fundamentals.”

Paul Watson, co-founder and managing director of Now

Student Living, added: “The addition of these assets to the

Now Student Living platform demonstrates our dedication

to the expert operation of high-quality, well-managed

accommodation in prime locations, tailored to meet the

diverse needs of a broad student demographic.

“By leveraging a talented team of sector professionals,

we aim to enhance the student living experience, while

ensuring a better service for both students and our

strategic investment partners.”

Savills advised AIG on the disposals and is predicting a

major uptick in interest in PBSA projects moving forward.

According to its 2024 European Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA)

Investment Barometer, released last November, investors and operators expect

to increase the number of beds they have across Europe by 70% over the

next 2-5 years.

This would bring the total to over 220,000 beds, deploying a further

€22bn of capital.

However, according to the Savills report, this significant volume of investment

would still only increase the current average European provision rate to 14% from

13%, assuming that student numbers remain at their current level.

SUPPLY AND DEMAND

And, even if all private European PBSA owners aimed to increase their holdings

by the same amount, this would only push the overall PBSA provision rate to 17%,

highlighting the significant supply-demand gap that remains across the continent

and the scale of the opportunity for investors like Goldman Sachs.

Frank Uffen, co-founder of The Class Foundation, which partnered with Savills

on the research, adds: “Our barometer shows that investor interest in the sector

remains very strong.

“The parties interviewed, representing c.16% of the total two million European

PBSA beds, plan to expand their portfolios by 70% over the next 2-5 years.

“Yet, this growth alone won’t close the existing supply-demand mismatch.

Bridging this gap requires national action plans and goals to create more-accessible

purpose-built student accommodation that meet the needs of Europe’s growing

student population.”

Richard Valentine-Selsey, head of European living research and consultancy

at Savills, said the sector was at a ‘crossroads’, with investors facing a unique

opportunity to define the landscape of PBSA.

“Their strategic decisions, allocation of resources, and vision will not only

drive the sector’s growth, but also elevate the living experience for the next

generation of students.

“As the market continues to evolve, with a dynamic mix of players, investors must

navigate economic challenges, respond to changing student demographics, and

champion environmental sustainability.

“Decisions taken now around new developments, financing, and adherence to

ESG principles, will have lasting impacts across the sector.”


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News

Fury at five-year RAAC

removal plan

Potentially-dangerous Reinforced Aerated

Autoclaved Concrete (RAAC) is yet to be

removed from 90% of affected schools

and the Government admits it may take up

to five years to mitigate the problem.

Just 30 schools out of the 237 confirmed

to contain RAAC have successfully had

it removed by Government mitigation

programmes, the Liberal Democrats have

revealed, leaving 90% with the dangerous

concrete still in place.

RAAC was the cause of three sudden

roof collapses in UK schools in 2023, after

which the Government pledged funding to

remove the material.

But, according to the Lib Dem study, 207

schools of the 237 identified to contain the

dangerous material are yet to have it removed.

Grants allocated by the Government have

removed RAAC from 30 schools, Stephen

Morgan, Under-Secretary of State for

Early Education, said, and 122 more have

been included in the Schools Rebuilding

Programme (SRP).

But he admitted that the SRP interventions

could each take ‘three to five years to

complete’ — raising concerns about disruption

to pupils’ education, as the Liberal Democrats

estimates that five years of rebuilding

programmes could affect up to 68,000 pupils.

The Lib Dems are now pressuring the

Government to set out a plan to speed

up the SRP so that fewer students

experience disruption.

Liberal Democrat education spokesperson,

Munira Wilson MP, said: “Thousands of

children are studying in dangerous schools

or inadequate temporary buildings, with the

timeline for repair stretching on for years.

“This generation of young people saw

unprecedented disruption to their education

under COVID, so the fact that 90% of schools

are yet to see action to remove RAAC is

deeply concerning.

“This Government must act swiftly to end

the crumbling schools scandal, and, it seems

that neither the RAAC removal grants nor the

School Rebuilding Programme are delivering

with the urgency we need.

“The Government must set out a plan to

speed up the Schools Rebuilding Programme

so that students across the country can get

back to their classrooms, halls, and sports and

arts facilities.”

Answering a Parliamentary question put

forward by Wilson, Labour’s Stephen Morgan

said there are over 22,000 schools and

A Lib Dem survey reveals the extent of RAAC affecting schools. Image, Tung Lam from Pixabay

colleges in England and the number with

confirmed RAAC was 237, or around 1%.

He added: “The department has committed

to resolving this problem of RAAC as

quickly as possible.

“We provide capital funding, guidance,

and support to help responsible bodies

and their schools effectively manage their

school buildings.

“It is the responsibility of those who run

schools — academy trusts, local authorities,

and voluntary-aided school bodies — to

ensure their schools are safe, well maintained,

and compliant with relevant regulations, and

alert the department if there is a significant

concern with a building.”

He said that, as of 27 November 2024,

30 schools where works are being

delivered by responsible bodies via

grant funding have confirmed they have

permanently removed RAAC.

And 122 schools with confirmed RAAC have

been included in SRP.

“Once a school enters delivery, a project

team will carry out a feasibility study

which will determine the scope of the

Reinforced Aerated Autoclaved Concrete

works,” Morgan said.

“SRP projects take on average 3-5

years to complete.”

A Department for Education spokesperson

added: “Driving high and rising school

standards is at the heart of our mission to

improve children’s life chances, and highquality

and sustainable buildings are a

key part of that.

“For too long our school estate has been

neglected — but this government is now

gripping the issue, ensuring our schools are fit

for the future.

“That’s why, despite having to take difficult

decisions at the Budget to fix the foundations,

we are increasing investment next year to

£2.1bn to improve the condition of school

buildings, and will be starting work on another

100 projects under the School Rebuilding

Programme next year.

“Targeted funding is being provided

to schools affected by RAAC to resolve

issues and help ensure the safety of all

children, including supporting them with

temporary provision so every child has a

suitable education.”


News

Critics hit out at ‘postcode lottery’

Over 8% of schools in Scotland are in

poor condition, with rural primary schools

particularly affected, according to newlyreleased

statistics.

The worrying figures are provided in the

annual School Estates Core Facts Survey on

the condition, suitability, and capacity of all

local authority schools.

And they reveal that 91.7% of schools

were reported to be in ‘good’ or ‘satisfactory’

condition in April 2024.

The report shows there are still 204 schools

in ‘poor’ or ‘bad’ condition, although this is 789

fewer than in 2007 and 20 fewer than in 2023.

The number of schools with a ‘good’ or

‘satisfactory’ condition rating increased from

1,669 in 2007 to 2,238 in 2020 and remained

stable over the next three years, before

increasing again to 2,253 last year, now

standing at 91.7%.

Taking into account the number of pupils in

each school, there has been a 29.6% increase

in the proportion of pupils educated in ‘good’ or

‘satisfactory’ condition schools, from 62.4% in

April 2007 to 92% in April 2024.

The report also considers the suitability

of school estate — a measure of the extent

to which a school building and its grounds

provide an environment which supports

quality learning and teaching.

It looks at how design and layout enhance

its function and use; whether there is space

and scope to accommodate all the pre-school,

day-school, and after-school demands and

service; whether it is ‘inclusive’ and accessible

to those with disabilities; how capable it is of

adjustment or adaptation; and how able it is to

‘flex’ in response to future needs.

There were 373 fewer schools with a ‘poor’

or ‘bad’ suitability rating in 2024 than in 2010 —

from 651 to 278.

However, the number has risen slightly

since last year, with nine more than in 2023,

although this is still the second-lowest

number since 2010.

The number of schools with ‘good’ or

‘satisfactory’ ratings has fallen slightly since last

year, down 14 from 2023, but still an increase of

more than 200 since 2010.

Overall, the proportion of schools with ‘good’

or ‘satisfactory’ suitability has increased 13.5%

from 75.2% in 2010 to 88.7% in 2024.

But the data also shows that rural schools are

particularly affected, with 10.3% of rural primary

schools in ‘poor’ or ‘bad’ condition, compared

to 5.6% of urban primary schools.

Analysis by the Scottish Conservatives also

found 16.4% of rural secondary schools are

in ‘poor’ or ‘bad’ condition, compared to 8.5%

of urban schools.

The figures have led to the Scottish Tories

calling for action from the Government to

ensure all schools are fit for purpose.

Scottish Conservative rural affairs

spokesman, Tim Eagle, said: “No child should

be learning in a school that is in a poor or bad

condition, but there is a clear postcode lottery.

“Too many schools in rural Scotland are

being run down. In those areas, pupils and

teachers are twice as likely to be in a building

that is in a poor or bad condition compared to

schools in urban parts of Scotland.

“These figures must signal a change in

approach to ensure every school, and in

particular those in rural areas, is fit for purpose.”

Responding to the report, a Scottish

Government spokesperson said: “While it is

the statutory responsibility of local authorities

to manage and maintain the school estate,

direct Scottish Government funding has

seen the number of schools in ‘good’ and

Number of schools by suitability rating, 2020 to 2024 [Note]

Image, Izhar Ahamed from Pixabay

‘satisfactory’ condition increase from 62.7% in

2007 to 91.7% in 2024.

“We are continuing to invest in the school

estate through the £2bn learning estate

investment programme. This includes

supporting the construction of six new rural

school building projects.”

Angela Constance, MSP for Almond

Valley, added: “The Scottish Government is

dedicated to providing a world-class education

for all students, and high-quality learning

environments are a crucial part of this mission.

“Despite the ongoing austerity measures

imposed by the new Labour government

at Westminster, the Scottish Government

remains committed to investing in the

school estate through the £2bn Learning

Estate Programme.

“We will continue to prioritise public services

and ensure that all pupils have the bestpossible

learning environments.”

Suitability 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024

A - Good 862 893 958 967 982

B - Satisfactory 1,292 1,277 1,218 1,226 1,197

C - Poor 328 304 290 260 268

D - Bad 6 5 5 9 10

Suitability not recorded 1 3 6 6 0

All schools 2,489 2,482 2,477 2,468 2,457

A - Good or B - Satisfactory 2,154 2,170 2,176 2,193 2,179

C - Poor or D - Bad 334 309 295 269 278

Percentage of schools by suitability rating, 2020 to2024 [Note]

Suitability 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024

A - Good 34.6 36 38.8 39.3 40

B - Satisfactory 51.9 51.5 49.3 49.8 48.7

C - Poor 13.2 12.3 11.7 10.6 10.9

D - Bad 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.4 0.4

A - Good or B - Satisfactory 86.6 87.5 88.1 89.1 88.7

C - Poor or D - Bad 13.4 12.5 11.9 10.9 11.3

Note: Three primary schools in East Lothian have split site campuses and submitted two School Estate Core Facts Survey

returns each. These schools are included twice in the school counts in this table.


News • Projects

Fife learning campus completed

Scottish First Minister, John Swinney,

has officially opened two new schools in

Dunfermline which were supported by

£53.4m of government investment.

Based within the new state-of-the-art

Dunfermline Learning Campus, St Columba’s

RC and Woodmill High School will provide

education opportunities from primary school

all the way through to college.

The campus will also be home to the new

Fife College, which is expected to open

early next year.

The 26,666sq m building is the UK’s

largest Passivhaus-standard education

facility, bringing the two schools together

under one roof.

Construction was supported by the

Scottish Government’s £2bn Learning Estate

Investment Programme (LEIP) – delivered in

partnership with local authorities.

A further nine school projects included in the

programme will open in 2025-26.

Swinney said: “Investing in our children’s

education is one of the most-important

investments we can make and my

government is determined to continue to

deliver progress in education.

“The pupils of the two schools on the

Dunfermline Learning Campus will be learning

in state-of-the-art and modern facilities.”

Education Secretary, Jenny Gilruth, added:

“The Dunfermline Learning Campus is a

key example of the Scottish Government, in

partnership with local authorities, delivering

for local communities through the £2bn LEIP.

“For the pupils attending these schools,

this campus will be transformative for

their education, for their families, and

for their future.”

The scheme was designed by AHR

Architects around Passivhaus sustainability

standards which use natural light, ventilation,

and air tightness to create a highly-performing

building that will be both comfortable and

energy efficient.

Jamie Gregory, Passivhaus designer and

project architect at AHR, said: “Following

Passivhaus standards, our design helps

to promote a comfortable and stimulating

environment, supporting pupils to reach

their maximum potential by increasing

their productivity and motivation

throughout the day.

“In doing so, careful consideration was given

to the building’s form and orientation.

“Merging both high schools into one single

building allowed for a highly-efficient form

factor, thus reducing the building fabric

heat loss area.

“Orientated to maximise natural light

throughout, daylight floods the building’s

main entrance, teaching spaces, dining areas,

and internal courtyards, helping to blend the

connection between indoors and outdoors

and naturally warming the building for

maximum and efficient comfort.

“We have also incorporated highperformance

triple glazing throughout and

included southern horizontal solar shading

and east and west shading fins. All of these

elements reduce overheating in the summer

months, while allowing the building to

maximise direct solar gains from the lowerangled

winter sun when it is most needed.

“To further enhance wellbeing and keep

energy costs to a minimum, the building

includes high levels of insulation, allows for

natural ventilation, and maintains excellent

air tightness, helping to create better

indoor air quality.”

It was a priority of Fife Council that the

building was not only an exemplar educational

setting, but that it would also serve as a

valuable resource to the local community.

The innovative sports facilities are fully

accessible by pupils, teachers, parents, and

the wider community and are capable of

accommodating the needs of both large

groups and individual users alike.

The campus is also surrounded by improved

public realm, with green spaces and avenues

of native trees all available to the wider

community to enjoy.


News • Projects

Milestone in college’s

estates masterplan

Guests from education, construction,

and regional employers joined staff

and students for the official opening

of Bradford College’s new Garden

Mills building.

The multi-million-pound renovation project

has transformed the derelict mill in Thornton

Road into a flexible digital, science, and allied

health training facility for higher-level students.

The five-storey building opened after months

of construction work supported by £5.8m

funding from The Office for Students (OfS)

Higher Education Capital Fund and a £1.1m

college contribution.

The site is now Bradford College’s

dedicated building for HNC, HND, and

degree programmes in science, technology,

engineering, and mathematics (STEM),

including digital and ophthalmic courses.

And it supplements the extensive

STEM facilities established across other

college campuses.

Contractor, Tilbury Douglas, led the Garden

Mills project and installation of industrystandard

equipment, including six digital

IT labs, an ophthalmic dispensing suite, a

prep room, a clinical suite, a real-life work

environment with consulting and testing

booths, a collaboration area, and academic

teaching spaces.

Bradford College director of people services,

Sarah Cooper, addressed invited guests,

who included employers from digital and

ophthalmic industries such as Specsavers and

the Association of British Dispensing Opticians,

as well as representatives from Bradford

Council and the West & North Yorkshire

Chamber of Commerce.

She said: “We are thrilled this incredible

new learning environment is now open to our

staff and students and I’m sure you’ll agree it

is a wonderful new addition to both Bradford

College’s estate and the resources available to

the local community.

“It is an essential part of our estates strategy

and perfectly demonstrates our ambition of

opening up pioneering student careers that

support regional growth.”

Garden Mills is one of several planned

Bradford College capital developments.

Over the last two years the college has

secured nearly £32m in funding, which

is being used to enhance, refurbish, and

build aspirational new facilities in the

heart of Bradford.

Other construction projects include newlycompleted

vocational T Level facilities in the

College’s David Hockney Building, delivered by

Sewell Construction and funded by £3.5m from

the Department for Education (T Level Capital

Fund — Wave 5).

Facilities include a commercial barbering

salon, nail bar, collaborative lecture spaces, TV

studio, media editing and recording studios,

and a remodel of The Grove training restaurant.

And work on the college’s £17m purposebuilt

Future Technologies Centre is also well

underway, with Phase 2 of the scheme being

led by contractor Morgan Sindall.

This new site will support the growth of

technology and low-carbon skills capability

within West Yorkshire and will be the home of

modern automotive and digital engineering

curricula, such as electric/hybrid vehicles and

advanced manufacturing.

The college’s Automotive, Digital and

Engineering Department will relocate to the

new premises once completed in 2026.

The Future Technologies Centre, Garden

Mills, and T Level facilities all form part of

Bradford College’s ambitious estates strategy.

The capital masterplan centres around

building facilities that open up pioneering

student careers and support regional

economic growth.


News • Projects

Student housing unit

opens in Glasgow

Urbanite Living has completed

construction of its new

student accommodation

development at Jocelyn Square

in Glasgow city centre.

The purpose-built development,

known as Clyde Court, has

been officially handed over to

operator, Homes for Students,

under its Prestige Student Living

brand, and began taking in

students from January.

Offering 169 studio bedrooms,

it will serve the University

of Glasgow and University

of Strathclyde.

Centrally located close to the

River Clyde and adjacent to

Glasgow Green, the six-storey

development provides ensuite

student accommodation with

fitted bedroom furniture and

kitchen facilities.

Communal amenities include

two private dining ‘MasterChef

kitchens’, two social study rooms,

a cinema, gym, cycle store, and

breakout spaces with pool tables.

Adam Sadler, project director

at Urbanite Living, said: “We

are delighted to hand over

this significant new Purpose

Built Student Accommodation

(PBSA) scheme to the

students of Glasgow.

“Clyde Court represents the

regeneration of a key city centre

site to deliver much-needed new

accommodation in a top UK

university destination where there

is currently a major undersupply.”

Scott Lewis, chief operating

officer at Homes for Students,

added: “Having the best

accommodation is key to any

university experience.

“Thanks to the fantastic

amenities available onsite, coupled

with first-class customer service,

we are confident that those living

at Clyde Court will be on the right

path for future success.”

Clyde Court was designed by

NW Architects with Robertsons

Construction Central Scotland as

main construction partner.

Urbanite Living secured a

£18.85m finance facility from

Paragon Bank’s Development

Finance division to support

the development.

Simon Dekker, senior

relationship director at Paragon,

said: “This purpose-built student

scheme will help to meet the

shortage of accommodation in

Glasgow city centre.

“It is excellently appointed, with

a wonderful range of amenities,

and we are very pleased to see it

being handed over to Homes for

Students so that new tenants can

be welcomed from this month.”

Engineering training centre planned for Teesside

Tilbury Douglas has been appointed

to deliver the new £14.7m engineering

training centre for NETA Training, part of

the Education Training Collective (Etc.)

The project will see NETA relocate to

the Stockton Riverside College campus,

where a two-storey, new-build engineering

centre will be built.

An existing building on the site will also be

refurbished to house trade-specific workshops

for gas, electric, and mechanical training.

NETA Training Group provides essential

technical training to the engineering, offshore,

and petrochemical industries in Teesside.

Alongside colleges like Stockton Riverside

College, Bede Sixth Form College, and Redcar

and Cleveland College, the project will create

a cutting-edge facility designed to meet the

future needs of these industries.

Maintaining safety and minimising disruption

is a key priority, as the adjacent motor vehicle

workshop and college campus will remain

operational throughout construction.

The new facility will also incorporate the latest

advancements in training and will be adaptable

to meet evolving industrial demands.

Paul Ellenor, regional director for the North

East and Yorkshire at Tilbury Douglas,

said: “This facility will play a crucial role in

developing essential skills in key industries,

and we are committed to delivering a highquality

building that meets the needs of NETA

and its trainees.”

NETA director, Sean Johnston, added: “The

industrial landscape of Teesside, the North

East, the UK, and the world, is changing, and

engineering and construction skills have a part

to play in that.

“For us this feels like the next chapter.”


Policy

Another round of

belt tightening

We look at the key points of the Institute for Fiscal

Studies’ newly-published report on education

funding, including the impact on the estate

New estimates by the Institute for

Fiscal Studies (IFS) find that

the 2.8% cash-terms growth in

mainstream school funding per pupil in

England in 2025-26 will not be sufficient to

cover the expected increase in school costs,

currently predicted to be around 3.6%.

And there are fears that capital spending

will be less than expected moving forward,

leading to plans for improvements to

the estate being pared back at a time

when backlog maintenance and RAAC

costs are growing.

The figures are outlined in Annual

report on education spending in England:

2024–25 by researchers at the IFS,

published on 8 January and funded by the

Nuffield Foundation.

Luke Sibieta, IFS research fellow and

report author, said: “This year’s spending

review will bring a lot of difficult choices on

education funding in England.

“A very-tight picture on the public

finances means that most departments,

including education, will probably need

to make savings.

“Working out exactly how, and where, is

much easier said than done.

“Spiralling costs of special educational

needs provision seem likely to wipe out any

opportunities for savings in the schools’

budget from falling pupil numbers.

“College and sixth form budgets are

already stretched, and will need to cover the

cost of rising student numbers.

“The inflation-linked rise in tuition

fees only provided a brief reprieve for

university finances, and further tuition fee

rises seem likely.”

Josh Hillman, director of education at the

Nuffield Foundation, added: “Amid a tough

fiscal climate and competing priorities,

the IFS’s annual report delivers essential,

independent analysis of the winners and

losers in education spending.

“The analysis outlines the complex web

of factors influencing the Government’s

decision-making on funding for the early

years, school pupils, and further and higher

education students.

“And it highlights a range of challenges

suggesting that the spending squeeze for

schools and colleges will continue, but some

gains for the under-5s.”

Spiralling costs of special educational needs provision seem likely to

wipe out any opportunities for savings in the schools’ budget from

falling pupil numbers


Policy

NUMBER CRUNCHING

Between 2019-2024, total school spending

in England grew by about £8bn. This led to

an11% real-terms growth in school spending

per pupil and fully reverses cuts since 2010.

But over half of the rise in school funding

has been absorbed by increasing costs of SEN.

After accounting for planned spending

on high needs (which is a statutory

requirement), the IFS estimates that

mainstream school funding per pupil grew

by 5% in real terms between 2019-2024,

rather than the 11% total increase.

With pupil numbers expected to fall by

2% between 2025-2027, the Government

could make annual savings of up to £1.2bn

by freezing spending per pupil in real terms.

However, the Government also projects

high needs spending will grow by £2.3bn

between now and 2027 without reforms.

This makes finding savings in the

schools budget impossible without cutting

mainstream per-pupil spending in real terms.

WINNERS AND LOSERS

Early years is set for the biggest ever

increasing in funding.

From September 2025, all children in

working families will be entitled to up to

30 hours of funded childcare a week from

nine months old.

As a result, spending on the free

entitlement will rise to £8.5bn in

2026-27 from £4.2bn in 2023-24 and

£2.2bn in 2010-11.

Spending on colleges and sixth forms

remains well below 2010 levels, and

pressures are growing.

Even with recent funding increases, the

IFS estimates that college funding per

student aged 16-18 in 2025 will still be

about 11% below 2010 levels, and about

23% lower for school sixth forms.

About 37% of colleges were operating

deficits at the latest count (2022–23).

Average college teacher pay is expected

to be about 18% lower than pay for school

teachers in 2025, contributing to the high

exit rates among college teachers (with 16%

Education capital spending in England over time, actual and plans in 2024-25 prices

leaving their jobs each year).

Meanwhile the number of young

people in colleges and sixth forms is

expected to grow by 5%, or over 60,000,

between 2024-2028.

The Government would need to increase

annual funding by £200m in 2027-28 in

today’s prices to maintain spending per

student in real terms.

Increasing tuition fees in line with

inflation will provide only slight reprieve for

university finances after more than a decade

of cash-terms freezes.

International student numbers are likely

to have fallen in 2024-25, and the rise in

employer national insurance contributions

will increase staff costs from April 2025.

Unlike schools and colleges, universities

are not being compensated for this increase.

Meanwhile, in 2025 the poorest students

will be entitled to borrow 10% less in

real terms than in 2020 to cover their

maintenance costs.

Speaking to Education Property following

the release of the report, Julie McCulloch,

director of policy at the Association of

School and College Leaders, said: “This

report reveals the reality that is facing

many schools and colleges — yet another

round of cutbacks.

“It will inevitably mean further reductions

This report reveals the reality that is facing

many schools and colleges — yet another

round of cutbacks. It will inevitably mean

further reductions to pastoral support,

curriculum options, and classroom resources

to pastoral support, curriculum options, and

classroom resources.

“It is also likely that in many cases class

sizes will increase.

“Schools and colleges have been expected

to absorb relentless financial pressures

over the past 15 years, and they have

done an incredible job in minimising the

impact on students.

“But we cannot go on like this. It is death

by a thousand cuts. The Government must

recognise the importance of improved

investment in education.”

Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the

National Education Union, adds: “Schools

have no capacity to make savings without

cutting educational provision.

“Britain has the highest primary class

sizes in Europe and the highest secondary

class sizes since records began and college

funding has been cut to the bone.

“Funding for SEND support and pastoral

care is totally inadequate and children and

young people’s education has been seriously

compromised through a lack of funding.

“The Government must address this

problem head on and ensure that our

schools and colleges get the funding they

desperately need.”

Following publication of the report a

Department for Education spokesperson

said: “One of the missions of our

plan for change is to give children the

best start to life.

“This was built upon the steps set out at

the Budget which increased school funding

to almost £63.9bn in financial year 2025-

26, including £1bn for children and young

people with high needs.

“We are determined to fix the foundations

of the education system that we inherited

and will work with schools and local

authorities to ensure there is a fair education

funding system that directs public money

to where it is needed to help children

achieve and thrive.”


Policy

ESTATES SPENDING

The report considers capital spending on

school buildings and maintenance.

It shows that total capital spending on

education in England was about £6.3bn in

2023–24. This reflects different types of

capital spending.

In 2023-24, about £1.8bn was devoted to

school maintenance and repair, £900m was

spent on free schools, and £900m was spent

on rebuilding further education colleges,

with about £2.7bn on new schools and

other aspects of capital spending.

Interestingly, though, the actual level of

capital spending seems to be about £900m

less than previous plans from a year ago and

this is likely to reflect the significant delays

in the School Rebuilding Programme.

Money for these delayed projects will

either need to come out of allocations from

2024-25 onwards, or the plans will need to

be scaled back, says the report.

The Government also faces the cost of

addressing RAAC in schools.

To date, the Government has provided

schools with support through two

main mechanisms.

Firstly, some schools have received

grants for repairs and works — totalling

£181m in 2023–24 — with further grants

in future years.

Secondly, some costs will be met through

the School Rebuilding Programme, given

the scale of the work required.

For 2024-25, government plans still

imply spending of about £6.1bn, matching

previous plans.

And, in the Autumn Budget 2024, the

Government set out education capital

spending plans of £6.5bn for 2025-26.

From this amount, the Government

has already committed to about £2.1bn

for school maintenance (about equal

to the average real-terms spending over

the past decade). It has also committed

£740m to help mainstream schools

adapt infrastructure to expand core

provision for SEND.

This leaves about £3.8bn, which will

need to cover school and college rebuilding

projects, the costs of addressing RAAC, as

well as any other capital plans.

The report states: “As can be seen, capital

spending tends to be lumpy over time.

“There was a large increase in spending

in the late 2000s, with spending increasing

from nearly £7bn in the mid-2000s to over

£10bn in 2009-10 and 2010-11 (all in

today’s prices).

“The large increase reflects the last

Labour Government’s Building Schools for

the Future programme, with delays in this

programme leading to the big upticks in

spending in 2009-10 and 2010-11.

HM Treasury allocated about £3bn per year.

As a result, actual funding allocations from

government have been more than 40% below

government-assessed levels of need

“There was then a large decline up

to 2013-14. Since then, overall capital

spending has oscillated around £6bn-7bn

per year in today’s prices.

“Plans for 2025-26 remain well within

this range and thus not significantly

different from experience over

the last decade.

“Furthermore, the fact that plans include

further education college rebuilding may

mean the underlying level of school capital

spending is lower than over the past decade.

“The planned level of education capital

spending is also similar to the level last seen

in the mid-2000s.

THE BIG QUESTION

“The big question is whether spending is

meeting current needs.

“The National Audit Office (2023)

reported that the Department for

Education calculated it needed about £5bn

per year from 2021 to 2025 in order to

maintain school buildings and mitigate the

most-serious risks.

“This was based on a survey of the

condition of school buildings. It instead

requested about £4bn per year based on the

rate at which it could increase spending.

“HM Treasury allocated about £3bn per

year. As a result, actual funding allocations

from government have been more than 40%

below government-assessed levels of need.

“For 2025–26, school maintenance

spending is due to be about £2.1bn, which

is about 13% higher than in 2024-25, but

still about the same level in real terms as the

average over the past decade.

“This strongly suggests that school

maintenance spending remains well below

government-assessed levels of need.

“In summary, spending on school

buildings is relatively low in historical terms

and low compared with levels of need for

maintenance and repair.”

Based on the analysis of the National

Audit Office and Department for

Education, there is a strong case for

increasing spending on school buildings.

With a small drop in the pupil

population over the next few years,

there might be some scope to redirect

funding from new schools towards repairs

and maintenance.

In the Autumn Budget 2024, the

Government chose to top up capital

spending allocations for future years,

particularly 2025-26. However, total

capital spending across departments is

only expected to rise by 3% in real terms

in 2026-27 and is due to be frozen in real

terms in 2027-28. This suggests little scope

for further significant increases in school

maintenance spending over the next twoyear

spending review period. n

…spending on school buildings is relatively

low in historical terms and low compared with

levels of need for maintenance and repair


Policy

SEND guidance ‘inadequate’

School leaders have

voiced their concerns over

government guidance

relating to pupils with special

educational needs and

disabilities (SEND) in a new

survey by UK and Ireland law

firm, Browne Jacobson.

Two thirds (65%) of School

Leaders Survey respondents

said they were either ‘highly

dissatisfied’ or ‘dissatisfied’

with existing guidance on

supporting SEND pupils.

In particular, there were

concerns with advice on

exclusions (62% ‘highly

dissatisfied’ or ‘dissatisfied’) and

absence management (58%).

Other key issues of discontent

included SEND funding (90%)

and SEND policy (82%).

Creating a national set of SEND

standards (68%) was regarded as

the biggest priority area, followed

by the previous government’s

plan to provide funding for an

additional 33 special schools

(66%); local SEND and alternative

provision partnerships (48%);

standardisation of education,

health and care plans (EHCPs);

and amending the SEND code of

practice (28%).

The survey, which was

conducted in October, captures

the views of more than 200

leaders – including CEOs,

executive headteachers, trustees,

and governors – representing

about 1,650 schools that are

collectively responsible for nearly

Nick Mackenzie

one million pupils across England.

And the findings come as

Department for Education (DfE)

data shows permanent exclusions

in primary and secondary schools

increased year-on-year by 35% to

4,168 in the 2023/24 autumn term.

SEND pupils accounted for

roughly half of exclusions, rising to

nearly 90% in primary schools.

Nick MacKenzie, head

of education at Browne

Jacobson, said: “We have a new

government, but it appears that

the sector is waiting for it to really

disclose its hand by sharing the

detail of its policy agenda and

what it is prioritising.

“While the Education Secretary

asked the sector ‘for a bit of

patience’ as the Government

works out how to fix the broken

SEND system, it is a system

that has been in crisis for many

years, so it is understandable why

school leaders want action.”

How satisfied are you with existing government guidance on the following issues?


Market Analysis

Education – a buoyant

property market

In this special report experts from leading UK property consultants,

Christie & Co and Knight Frank, reveal their predictions for the sector in 2025

DAY NURSERIES

Larger operators look to grow their portfolios, leaseholds and sale-and-leaseback

models gain traction, and private equity investors continue to favour the market

KIEREN COLE

Partner in healthcare

valuation and advisory

at Knight Frank

The market remains largely

fragmented, with around 70% of

private day nurseries being operated

by independents.

In recent years the early years sector has

undergone considerable change and an influx of

private equity interest has fuelled the growth of

corporate groups, while operators have increasingly

embraced leasehold tenure structures compared to

traditional freehold ones.

Children from nine months of age also became

entitled to 15 hours of free childcare from September,

which adds to the existing 30 hours of free childcare

for 3-4 year olds.

However, like other industries, day nurseries have

recently had to factor in wage, energy, and business rate

increases, which have mirrored the wider inflationary

environment and have proportionally been much

larger than the funding boost, with further rises on

the horizon from recent National Insurance and

minimum wage changes.

Consequently, we are aware that fees for nonfunded

hours at many nurseries have grown, as

operators look to use that income to subsidise

government-funded places.

Consolidation in the early years sector has typically

derived from single-site nurseries being bought by small

or regional groups and smaller groups being acquired by

large group operators.

Although expansion through mergers and

acquisitions still dominate the market, in future we

expect to see an influx in operators organically growing

their portfolio, such as Kids Planet.

And we are seeing further changes to holding

structures enabling this further consolidation, with

more nursery groups adopting a predominantlyleasehold

model.

A high proportion of the largest operators have

undertaken some form of ground rent sale and

leaseback in recent years, and we expect to see demand

to undertake such transactions continue.

October proved to be an unprecedented month for completions as owners looked

to close deals before the Autumn Budget, including the sale of the Children 1st Day

Nurseries portfolio of 24 settings to Storal. Image, Christie & Co

The growing interest from private equity investors towards scalable industries

has injected further investment into the early years sector.

Research by The Guardian in 2023 revealed that 7.5% of all nursery

places were fully, or partially, controlled by investment companies (up

from 4% in 2018).

In future, we are likely to see smaller groups receiving private equity

funding due to the potential for scalability, which is uncommon in other

property sectors.

Although this investment is allowing operators to expand at speed, there

have been some questions surrounding vulnerability of failure due to financial

operating models and issues with debt, which could exacerbate issues in

unequal geographical coverage.

The change in government sees the intention to retain previous changes to

the Planning Use Classes Order, which could mean expansion potential to the

market, thus properties being acquired for operating day nurseries without

requiring planning permission.

There is also the news that Labour plans to create 100,000 additional nursery

places across England through conversion of spare classrooms into spaces

for nurseries, paid for by the removal of tax exemptions that private schools

currently benefit from.

These plans have the potential to target areas where childcare is sparse.


Market Analysis

NICK BROWN

Director and head

of brokerage

for childcare

and education

at Christie & Co

2024 was an active

year for children’s day

nursery transactions across the UK, with

Christie & Co brokering 59% of deals

across the country, according to data on

daynurseries.co.uk.

The company also achieved a 36%

increase in the number of offers received on

day nurseries for sale.

And we also saw an increase in appetite

from medium groups — this buyer category

acquired 5% of all day nursery transactions

in 2023, which rose to 19% in 2024.

Conversely, compared with the prior year,

2024 saw a decrease in appetite from smaller

groups, single settings, and first-time buyers,

with these buyers acquiring just 15% of

assets in 2024 compared with 33% in 2023.

Buyers remained keen to acquire both

leasehold and freehold opportunities, albeit

there remains a lean towards leasehold sales,

with 61% of day nurseries sold in 2024

being leasehold compared with 57% in

2023 and 59% in 2022. Where previously

there was a notable concentration of buyers

seeking settings in London and the South

East, activity in 2024 stretched across all

areas of the UK.

With regards to the size of settings

purchased, corporate and large groups

acquired smaller settings last year, with the

average having 86 places compared with 92

places in 2023.

Smaller groups acquired larger settings,

with the average changing from a 62-place

nursery to a 67-place nursery, while there

was little change in the settings acquired by

independents and first-time buyers.

From an investment perspective, interest

in the UK day nursery market in 2024 was

fuelled not only by the extended early years

entitlement and increased governmentbacked

income in the sector, but also by a

shift in investors focusing on social impact

investment opportunities, ethical investing,

and ESG considerations.

The past 12 months saw a notable

increase in medium-sized groups making

selective acquisitions to expand their

regional footprints.

There was also no shortage in demand

from investors and buyers seeking

platform acquisitions and opportunities to

consolidate via the acquisition of highquality,

larger-capacity settings within the

UK’s day nursery sector.

Ahead of the Autumn Budget, October

proved to be an unprecedented month for

completions at Christie & Co, as owners

progressed sales processes endeavouring

to close deals, which many did, ahead of

the announced policy and tax changes.

This led to a surge in business owners

deciding to sell.

Christie & Co also notes an average

increase of 7.7% in the price of day nurseries

sold last year.

The quality of provision transacted in

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS

Market uncertainty results in interest from property developers and investors as

62% of providers say they are looking to buy and/or sell this year

2024 was notably stronger than 2023,

with high volumes of investment-grade

transactions completed.

The average price of medium group

portfolio sales increased by over 10%, while

small-group single settings sales were flatter

in pricing terms reflecting a tone in the

order of 1% pricing increase.

While there may be some influence

through the comparative premiums paid

for portfolios, linked to the configuration,

quality, and nature of assets, alongside the

type of buyer and their desires to acquire

multiple nurseries in a single transaction,

single-asset settings remain in high demand

and exceptional prices have continued to

be achieved for those of high quality in

desirable locations.

In the day nursery market in 2025,

Christie & Co expects:

• Continued interest in platform

acquisitions, expansion, and growth

opportunities from entrants,

established and new

• High demand for quality leasehold and

freehold opportunities across the UK

• Further consolidation from large

and medium-sized groups seeking

acquisition opportunities

• Buyers will increasingly scrutinise

parental demographics when

considering acquisitions and

undertaking due diligence

• With the 2025-26 EYPP funding

rates not factoring in NIC increases,

some settings will face greater financial

sustainability challenges n

RICHARD GREEN

Director and

lead valuer

for childcare

and education

at Christie & Co

As of 2023/24, there

were 2,421 independent

schools in England, 90 in Scotland, 83 in

Wales, and 13 in Northern Ireland.

However, Christie & Co expects this

will change given recent and impending

challenges in the sector.

In 2024, there was significant disruption

across the UK independent school market.

While there was a fair amount of market

activity, including mergers and school

ownership transitions, buyers, investors,

and lenders evidenced heightened caution

Avondale Preparatory School in Salisbury, Wiltshire, was sold to EduPartners in May 2024, one of a

number of transactions completed in the last 12 months

due to the lack of visibility following

the announcement of the introduction

of VAT on private school fees effective

January 2025, loss of business rates relief

effective April 2025, and latterly employers’

NIC increases.

This led them to appraise new

opportunities with a granular focus on

pupil retention, new student recruitment,

forward-looking operational costs, financial

implications, and sustainability.

Uncertainty in the market also resulted


Market Analysis

in opportunistic sector-agnostic interest

from property developers and investors

gathering pace amid the expectation

of increased school closures, while

international trade buyers focused interest

on acquisitions in countries that award

greater visibility and stability while

continuing to be open to strategic mergers

and takeovers in the UK.

Market uncertainty is likely to prevail

in the short-to-medium term as the

independent school sector and market

adjust to these seismic policy changes.

While some schools have well-established

contingency plans in place, others, for

a variety of reasons, have been less well

prepared and are much more likely to be

impacted by the changes.

As part of its Business Outlook 2025

annual sentiment survey, Christie & Co

surveyed childcare and education service

providers across the country to gather their

views on the year ahead.

When asked about their sentiment in

2025, 29% said they feel positive and 31%

feel negative, while the majority (40%)

remain neutral, which illustrates the

uncertainty that remains.

When asked about their sale and

acquisition plans, 62% stated that they are

looking to buy and/or sell this year.

In 2025, Christie & Co expects:

• Increased merger and acquisition activity

• Schools able to act nimbly in

diversifying to create new, additional

revenues will do so

• Pupil numbers will be impacted by the

introduction of VAT on fees

• For some schools, operational cost

pressures will lead to financial distress

and an increase in closures

• In the event of school closures, assets will

swiftly be acquired by SEND education

providers or for alternative use

2025 will, no doubt, be a challenging

year for independent school operators

across the UK and it will be interesting

to see how the market adapts to the

implementation of VAT coupled with the

rise in National Insurance contributions

and rising wage costs.

For those businesses that are

unfortunately forced to close, competitive

tension will prevail, especially from

buyers within the specialist education

and children’s social care sectors where

demand for services continues to rise and

suitable properties for SEND education,

and children’s social care services remain in

short supply. n

SEND SCHOOLS

Sector sees significant demand from private sector buyers for suitable properties for expansion

COURTENEY

DONALDSON

Managing director of

childcare and education

at Christie & Co

The SEND school sector in 2024

was characterised by significant

demand from private sector buyers

for suitable properties for expansion, ongoing growth

in state school-based provision, additional government

funding initiatives, and a rising number of pupils

requiring special educational support.

As of January 2024, there were over 1.6 million

school pupils in England with identified SEND and the

number of children and young people with EHC plans

increased to 576,000, a rise of 11.4% from 2023.

Additionally, the proportion of pupils receiving

SEND support without an EHC plan rose to 13.6% in

2024, up from 13% in 2023.

As the demand for SEND services rises at pace, in

2024 the sector saw significant demand for properties

suitable for SEND school provision, with interest

from existing operators looking to expand and new

entrants aiming to address the growing need for SEND

placements and services.

Buyers were particularly interested in vacant former

school sites, but also considered former hotels, care

homes, and community assets like libraries.

Heightened public awareness associated with the

shortage of SEND services also led to interest from

new entrants, innovators, investors, and developers

seeking to invest in creating new purpose-designed

educational settings in partnership with experienced

SEND providers.

As part of its annual sentiment survey, Christie &

Co asked childcare and education providers across the

country for their views on the year ahead.

When questioned about their sentiment in 2025, 29%

Image, Mimzy from Pixabay

said they feel positive and 31% feel negative, while the majority (40%) remain

neutral, which illustrates the uncertainty that remains.

When asked about their sale and acquisition plans, 62% stated that they are

looking to buy and/or sell this year.

In 2025, Christie & Co expects:

• Owners exiting the market will achieve premiums, driven by

competitive buyer tension

• Demand for properties with vacant possession will continue to facilitate new

capacity creation

• Local authority budget pressures will increase the focus on providers

demonstrating value for money

• Infrastructure property funds will show additional interest in assets occupied

by SEND providers

• Regulatory scrutiny will intensify

While the market moved forward in 2024, the sector was not immune to

challenges, with local authorities continuing to sign up for Safety Valve

agreements, and concerns around the sufficiency and allocation of the £1bn

uplift in funding for SEND in the Autumn Budget 2024 with advocates calling

for more capital to ensure every child can access the education they need.

Despite these headwinds, the sector continues to attract significant interest

from established trade buyers, new entrants to the SEND sector, investors, and

developers, a trend which is very much expected to continue through 2025 and

into the years beyond. n


2025 Education Events

NMT Owners Club Midlands

29 January 2025 | The Belfry, Sutton Coldfield

NMT Owners Club South West

19 March 2025 | Celtic Manor, Newport

Education Property Forum Midlands

1 May 2025 | The Belfry, Sutton Coldfield



Education Property Awards

20 May 2025 | Marriott, Leeds

EducationInvestor Awards

17 June 2025 | Marriott Grosvenor Square,

London

Nursery Management Show

27–28 June 2025 | NEC, Birmingham


17 September 2025 | Celtic Manor, Newport

Education Property Forum London

8 October 2025 | IET: Savoy Place, London

ISM Forum London


Education Summit

17 October 2025 | Business Design Centre,

London

NMT Owners Club South East

6 November 2025 | Marriott, Lingfield


28–29 November 2025 | ExCeL, London

National Nursery Awards

29 November 2025 | ExCeL, London

NMT Owners Club London

9 July 2025 | IET: Savoy Place, London

Awards

Celebrating success

The winners of the 2024 National NMT Nursery Awards have been

announced. Now in its 22nd year, the annual competition is organised by

Education Property publisher, Nexus Media Group, and this year there were

30 trophies up for grabs, with the winners announced at a ceremony in

London on 30 November hosted by former Boyzone member, Keith Duffy.


Awards

The winners are…

The NMT Fellowship Award for

Outstanding Service

Winner: Marg Randles,

Busy Bees Nurseries

Nursery

Training & Development

SPONSORED BY PARTOU

Winner: London Early Years

Foundation (LEYF)

Individual Nursery of the Year

SPONSORED BY KIDS INC NURSERIES

Winner:

The Old Rectory Nursery

Nursery Indoor Learning

Environment of the Year

SPONSORED BY YPO

Winner: Partou Storytimes

Nursery Room

Leader of the Year

SPONSORED BY MCQUEENS DAIRIES

Winner: Bo Forster,

RAFA Kidz Cranwell

Community

Nursery of the Year

SPONSORED BY TINIES

Winner:

Hungry Caterpillar Day

Nurseries, High Wycombe

Nursery Manager of

the Year (Groups)

SPONSORED BY MILLHOUSE

Winner: Ashley Webb,

Happy Days Nursery &

Pre-School, Droitwich

Nursery Manager of

the Year (Small Groups

and Independents)

SPONSORED BY MILLHOUSE

Winner: Kirsty Bennison,

The Little Learners

Montessori Cricklewood

Nursery

Business Development

SPONSORED BY EVOLVE

WITHIN RECRUITMENT

Winner: kinderzimmer UK

Nursery Operations/Area

Manager of the Year

SPONSORED BY THE OLD

STATION NURSERY

Winner: Sherralyn Egan,

Bright Horizons

Nursery Chef of the Year

SPONSORED BY CONNECT2CARE

Winner: Pete Ttofis,

Tops Day Nurseries

The SENCo Award

Winner: Gemma Williamson,

Roots Federation

Nursery Outdoor Learning

Environment of the Year

SPONSORED BY HOPE

Winner: Bardykes

Farm Nursery School

Parent Engagement

SPONSORED BY FAMLY

Winner: Kindred Nurseries

Technology Product of the Year

SPONSORED BY RAFA KIDZ

Winner: Famly

Nursery Nurse/Childcare

Practitioner Award

SPONSORED BY PARTOU

Winner: Emma Deas,

Elmscot Woodlands

Day Nursery

Nursery Personality of the Year

SPONSORED BY GRANDIR UK

Winner:

Dave Sinclair,

MiChild Group

Apprenticeship

Scheme of the Year

SPONSORED BY REALISE

Winner: Grandir UK

Apprentice of the Year

SPONSORED BY KIDS PLANET

Winner: Daisy Searle,

Little Adventures Nurseries

Nursery Team of the Year

SPONSORED BY HOPE

Winner: Montessori Minds

Nursery Group (Small)

SPONSORED BY DOT 2 DOT

NURSERY INSURANCE

Winner:

Muddy Boots Nurseries York

Nursery Group (Medium)

SPONSORED BY

COMMUNITY PLAYTHINGS

Winner: Storal

Nursery Group (Large)

SPONSORED BY CHRISTIE & CO

Winner:

Kids Planet Day Nurseries

New Nursery of the Year

SPONSORED BY IMPACT FUTURES

Winner: Precious

Times Day Nursery

Supplier of the Year —

Training & Learning

SPONSORED BY BRIGHT STARS

Winner: Realise

Learning & Employment

Supplier of the Year —

Equipment & Services

SPONSORED BY BRIGHT STARS

Winner: Cosy Direct

Deputy Nursery

Manager of the Year

SPONSORED BY

CC NURSERIES GROUP

Winner: Charlotte Spencer,

Nursery On The Green,

Family First Nurseries

Newcomer of the Year

SPONSORED BY FAMILY FIRST

Winner: Laura Rushby,

Rand Farm Park Day

Nursery & Pre-School,

Farm Day Nurseries

Outstanding Contribution

of an Individual

SPONSORED BY BUSY BEES

Winner: Neil Leitch,

Early Years Alliance

Lifetime Achievement

SPONSORED BY ISTEP LEARNING

Winner: Sarah Steel, The

Old Station Nursery Group

The 2025 awards will be held at ExCel, London, on November 29.

For information on how to enter, or for sponsorship opportunities, visit www.nationalnurseryawards.com


Awards

Good food is not

all about Michelin

stars and scallops

and caviar.

Fundamentally, it’s

about good produce

raised and took on a chef position at the

multi-award-winning Chewton Glen Hotel

in the New Forest.

From there he worked in other fine

dining establishments and by the age of 26

had won two AA rosettes.

“The industry really swallowed me

up,” he says.

“I did nothing outside of that. My

life revolved around food, and I was

happy it did that.

“I worked 16-hour days, five days a

week, for 20 years, dedicating a good

portion of my life to food and that was a

wonderful journey.”

Food for thought

In this article Jo Makosinski interviews Pete Ttofis of

Tops Day Nurseries, winner of the National NMT Nursery

Award for Nursery Chef of the Year to find out what the

group is doing to transform nutrition in early years

A

year ago Pete Ttofis, catering

manager at Tops Day Nurseries,

made waves in the education

sector when he announced he was sourcing

venison from the South Downs National

Park to put on the menu across the early

years group’s 33 settings.

A bold move, the decision is evidence

of his forward-thinking approach to

environmental sustainability and, most

importantly, improved nutrition for our

youngest learners.

It is this thinking outside the box attitude

that won him the title of Nursery Chef of the

Year at the 2024 National NMT Nursery

Awards, held in London in November.

In an interview with Education Property

editor, Jo Makosinski, following his win, he

explains: “I joined Tops Day Nurseries in

2020 and I had always understood food and

the importance of using good produce.

DIFFICULT QUESTIONS

“I just couldn’t understand why children

did not have access to that.

“We need to be having uncomfortable

conversations, and we need to challenge

the status quo.”

Ttofis’ career in catering began

when he was 16.

After completing a specialised chef

course at Bournemouth and Poole College,

he went to work for Boodles gentleman’s

club in London where he built a solid

foundation for progressing in the industry.

After several years working in top

restaurants in the capital, he wanted to

move back to the South West where he was

A CHANGE OF PACE

But, when he was working as head chef

at The Museum Inn in Dorset, the world

was rocked by the COVID-19 pandemic

and the restaurant industry ceased

almost overnight.

“We were shut for three months and I

spent that time at home,” he recalls.

“For the first couple of weeks I was ill,

not with COVID, but I think for the first

time I had stopped and I had no idea what

that was like.

“It was bizarre and I lost direction.

“But in those three months I spent time

with my young son and that was incredible.

“When lockdown was relaxed I went

back to The Museum Inn, but I found I had

lost that drive to be there and I didn’t have

that same passion.

“You can’t have that in a kitchen. I was

doing a disservice to my team.”

As he began to reevaluate his career, he

applied for a role at Tops Day Nurseries,

meeting Diane Wycherley, chief

operating officer.

TAKING STEPS

“Diane explained where food was in early

years and where they wanted it to go;

showing huge trust and belief in me.

“That really resonated with me. Good


Awards

food is not all about Michelin stars and

scallops and caviar. Fundamentally, it’s

about good produce.

“It was a big step to take, but if I was

really going to be able to make a difference

and give back, then who better to give it

back to than children?”

Across the UK, educational

establishments are routinely giving children

produce which is high in sugar and fats and

this has been scientifically proven to impact

on concentration levels, behaviour, and

overall health and wellbeing.

“What are we gaining by feeding children

processed foods full of sugar when we can

change that?” Ttofis said.

“Food is the most-natural thing in the

world. We have been producing food for

thousands of years and we have only got it

wrong in the last 30 or 40 years.

“We now have an unhealthy relationship

with food and I want to change that — and

it’s better to start with children as we are

building the foundations for later life.

“Many menus in schools and nurseries are

full of sugar.

“Sugar is cheaper and more cost effective

than fruit or natural yoghurt and it fills

children up for a short period of time, but

then they get an insulin crash.

“We know this and yet we don’t offer

anything different.”

However, since joining Tops, Ttofis

has worked to change this and is hoping

his approach will filter through to

other providers.

“There has to be uncomfortable

conversations,” he said.

“I always ask people why they are still

serving unhealthy options and they haven’t

been able to give me a good reason.

“I’m not saying children cannot have

treats — it builds memories that will stay

with them throughout their lives — but we

have to start thinking differently.”

We now have an unhealthy

relationship with food and I

want to change that — and it’s

better to start with children as we

are building the foundations for

later life

Homemade BBQ baked beans on toast

is one of the offerings at Tops nurseries


Awards

Children at Tops Day

Nurseries are thriving and

developing these incredible

palates and there is no added

sugar or processed foods

Pulled jackfruit tacos, pomegranate and feta

ON THE MENU

Across Tops Day Nurseries’ 33 settings

and eight kitchens, on an average day chefs

provide three meals and a range of snacks.

Breakfast will offer options such as

no-added-sugar cereals, wholemeal bread,

boiled eggs, and natural yoghurt and fruit.

For mid-morning and afternoon snacks,

fruit and vegetable crudites are on offer.

The main meal of the day includes dishes

such as venison and orzo Mediterranean

bake, which is packed with tomatoes

and mozzarella and served with

sourdough bread.

In the late afternoon a lighter meal is

provided, such as a broccoli, sweet potato,

and mascarpone quiche.

“They have a lot of food throughout the

day,” said Ttofis.

“Children have smaller tummies and

if we fill them up with carbs there will

be an initial energy boost, but they

will burn through that and will be left

with low energy.

“Our meals are packed with good fats and

the only sugar we use is naturally occurring

in the food when produced, such as bread.

“The body knows how to digest this

effectively and, unlike processed sugars, it is

not stored as fat.

“Due to being an eco-conscious company

we choose to serve meat twice a week and

no beef is used due to the carbon footprint

it produces; all meat is also Red Tractor and

RSPCA endorsed.

“Our venison is sourced from the game

park, where the animals have 3,500 acres to

roam freely and they are not packed full of

antibiotics. It is really important to us that

our meat comes from an ethical source and

is packed full of nutrients.”

WITHIN REACH

While there may be a small cost increase

when choosing more-sustainably-sourced

produce, Ttofis believes it is in the reach of

all education providers.

“Good food and good recipes are all

out there and the information is there to

create good, simple, healthy meals using

wholefoods,” he said.

“You can still put cottage pie or

Bolognese on the menu — children love

those dishes — but we swap beef for locallysourced

venison and use fresh, seasonal

ingredients.

“It is very easily done, and it

should be done.

“Pardon the pun, but the proof is

in the pudding.

“Children at Tops Day Nurseries are

thriving and developing these incredible

palates and there is no added sugar or

processed foods.

“The feedback from parents is also

increasingly positive.

“We did get some resistance at the

beginning, but you just have to take things

slowly and create trust.

“You need to acknowledge that it will be

different and a slow change, but that we will

do it together.

“We had so many messages and enquiries

from parents who said their children didn’t

eat the same variety of foods at home so we

produced recipe cards and recorded cookalongs

on YouTube.”

Now his work has been recognised in

the National NMT Nursery Awards, Ttofis

hopes other operators will follow suit.

“Winning Nursery Chef of the Year is an

incredible honour,” he said. “It’s a privilege

to be recognised for doing what I love,

creating nutritious, sustainable, and exciting

meals that fuel young minds and bodies.

“This award reflects not just my passion,

but also the support of my incredible

team and the smiles of the children we

cook for everyday.

“It is an award for them too.” n

Tuscan potato Gnocchi

Banana blossom kedgeree


Awards

Nursery Awards: Winner Focus

Here, we look at the NMT Nursery Awards winners of the best indoor and outdoor environment awards trophies

Nursery Indoor Learning Environment of the Year Award

Partou Storytimes

Described by the judges as ‘the mostfabulous

learning environment for

children’, Partou Storytimes won the award

for its meticulously-designed, welcoming,

and warm indoor environments.

In the baby room, the design focuses on

creating an enabling environment where

children feel at ease and at home.

With natural resources that engage their

senses, babies are encouraged to explore and

learn in a safe, secure setting.

And, as children transition to older rooms, the

environment evolves to maintain their interest

and imagination.

Enchanting play spaces, adorned with

magical-themed backdrops, twinkly lights, and

natural elements, foster a sense of security

and excitement.

And the presence of a self-registration

wall where children find and hang their

own names or photos promotes a sense

of belonging and responsibility while the

inclusion of quiet spaces and sensory rooms is

particularly beneficial for children with special

educational needs.

In the pre-school area, a meditation

space with breathing balls and visual aids

helps children practise mindfulness and

self regulation.

This area, along with the sensory room, is

especially beneficial for children with SEND.

Children with high energy levels can also find

opportunities for active play and reasonable

risk-taking in the sports room, which also

features cooking activities and lessons on

healthy eating.

A spokeswoman for Partou Storytimes

said: “Our environment empowers children

to drive their own learning by promoting

independence and curiosity.

“Continuous provision is well resourced

and thoughtfully organised to support

daily routines and behaviours, while

subliminal invitations throughout the

space encourage exploration and

deep engagement.

“Whether engaged in imaginative play, or

exploring themed areas, children thrive in an

environment that celebrates their individuality

and encourages autonomous learning.”

Nursery Outdoor Learning Environment of the Year

Bardykes Farm Nursery School

The external spaces at Bardykes Farm

Nursery School give a ‘hands-on’

experience with nature.

There is a harvesting area where children

plant, grow, and nurture the natural world

around them, learning to become sustainable

and creating their own jams, soups, and bread.

A three-stage compost heap also provides

children with daily science opportunities,

resulting in meals of home-grown pea pods,

carrots, and potatoes.

And blackcurrant, rhubarb, and strawberry

jams are boiled and brewed by the youngsters

to eat on toast made from the wheat grown

in the garden.

A spokesman said: “Providing children

with a ‘hands-on’ experience with nature and

allowing them to use their own senses evokes a

practical and meaningful understanding of the

importance and excitement of the world around

them, its plants, wildlife, and insects, and the

need to protect, respect, and love them.”

The outdoor spaces are also home to a

range of animals which the children help

to raise, including hand rearing lambs and

collecting hen and duck eggs.

The spokesman said: “Set in the grounds

of a previously-working dairy farm to inspire

children’s curiosities and exploit physical

assets, Bardykes Farm Nursery School

demonstrates the power in which an outdoor

learning environment creates wonder,

excitement, and real engagement as children

explore an enchanting world of thriving

orchards, secret gardens, rushing rivers,

and the amazing array of curious creatures

living in them.

“The unique access to the great outdoors

provides daily opportunities to engage in

self exploration, discovery, inquisition, and

curiosities of which the natural world around

them inspires.

“They do this in a safe and carefullybut-discreetly-managed

approach which

encourages children to ooze self confidence

and that real sense of achievement,

satisfaction, and fulfilment which is so

challenging to achieve.”


Free to attend for Nursery owners

& Directors

19 March


Celtic Manor

nmtownersclub.com/events

Finance and Property Deals

Nursery group continues

expansion in Scotland

Bright Stars Nurseries is continuing

to expand its portfolio of properties in

Scotland, with the recent acquisition of four

new settings in Glasgow.

Specialist business property adviser,

Christie & Co, recently announced the sale

of properties at Busby and Southfield House,

Mearnskirk, which were previously owned by

CME Investments.

For more than 30 years, Happy Days Too has

provided high-quality childcare and education

through a range of full-time and part-time

places for children aged between six weeks

and pre-school years.

Following a confidential sales process with

Martin Daw at Christie & Co, they have been

purchased by Bright Stars Nurseries.

The deal comes as Christie & Co also

announces the sale of two day nursery

businesses located in Hamilton and Clydebank.

Nursery Times at the Park, which is located

in the Hamilton Academical Football Stadium

in Hamilton, was opened by Peter and

Miriam Cannon and fellow director, Anne

Cannon, in 2004.

Following their success, Miriam returned to

her roots in Clydebank and opened Nursery

Times by the River in 2010 which is located in

Change House in Cable Road.

Together, the settings cater for up to a total of

178 children aged six weeks to five years.

Following a confidential sales process

with Martin Daw at Christie & Co, the two

nurseries have also been sold to Bright

Stars, bringing its total number of settings in

Scotland to 23.

London property deal for Yorkshire university

Global education provider, Study Group,

has signed with Sugar House Island to

operate a new London campus on behalf

of the University of Huddersfield.

Study Group will take 10,604sq ft at Chimney

Walk, the island’s latest and largest phase of

commercial development.

The deal marks the latest milestone in

Stratford’s growing education and innovation

offering following the arrival of UCL East and

London College of Fashion to the area.

Sugar House Island was granted dual-use

status on two of its buildings earlier this year,

allowing both office and education occupiers

to operate from the site.

In partnership with the University of

Huddersfield, Study Group will take the

space to create a new satellite campus for

postgraduate international students.

The university will offer courses across

fields including management, international

business, computing, and marketing.

The Cat A offices front onto Stratford

High Street, with ground-floor units set to

be occupied by a mix of cafes, restaurants,

shops, and services.

Michael Cronin, head of portfolio at Vastint

UK, said: “At Sugar House Island we are a

significant way into the 26-acre masterplan

with a vision to transform this once-industrial

site into a vibrant community and thriving

hub for learning, creativity, enterprise,

and innovation.

“Acquiring dual-use status on key buildings

in Chimney Walk has futureproofed our

development, creating a flexible environment

where education and business can converge.

“With its unrivalled access to talent, its

excellent transport links, and its proximity to

all the leisure, entertainment, and green space

that Stratford has to offer, Sugar House Island

is a truly-unique opportunity for businesses

and organisations alike.”

July Behl, chief partnerships officer at

Study Group, added: “We are delighted to be

partnering with the University of Huddersfield

to establish a London location for them.

“It was essential to find a location with

impeccable international connections and an

exciting offer and amenities for students.

“The purpose of our new business-focused

campus at Sugar House Island is to put

employability for our postgraduate students

first, so, most importantly, the island’s

proximity to the capital’s financial district was

imperative for us.”

Sugar House Island is a 26-acre mixeduse

neighbourhood.

The site is a five-minute walk from Pudding

Mill Lane station and a 15-minute walk from

Stratford station, the sixth-busiest railway

station in the UK.

The leasing agent for Chimney Walk is

Compton and Colliers.


Bolton operator

purchases Oldham nursery


Sunny Smiles Day Nursery in Oldham,

Greater Manchester, has been sold to the

owner of a Bolton early years setting.

Sunny Smiles is a ‘Good’ Ofsted-rated

day nursery with space for up to 75 children

aged 0-5 years.

Located in Oldham, north west of Greater

Manchester, it is in a densely-populated

town less than three miles away from its

local town centre.

The nursery was established by Pamela

Gordon in 2020 who implemented a unique

and locally-renowned childcare offering,

but she decided to sell the business so

she could retire.


Sofia Beck at Christie & Co, Sunny Smiles has

been purchased by Wajahat Baloch of Zahra

Day Nursery Ltd, who is the current owner of

Zahara Day Nursery in Bolton.

Beck said: “We experienced yet another

busy year of successful transactions in 2024

and, as we enter 2025, we see no signs of the

market slowing down.

“October saw an unprecedented level of

day nursery transactions completing and this

month we have seen a solid increase in new

business instructions and offers accepted.”

Sunny Smiles Day Nursery was sold for an

undisclosed price.

Historic campus comes to market for £7m

The education and charities team of

property consultancy, Knight Frank,

has launched to market the Hillcroft

Campus, a historic educational campus

located in South Bank, Surbiton, on

behalf of Richmond & Hillcroft Adult

Community College.

The site, on the market for £7m, represents

a rare opportunity to acquire an established

educational campus in a prime commutable

Greater London location, offering potential for

continued educational use and/or alternative

uses, subject to the necessary consents.

Set across a 3.75-acre site, this Victorian

campus features a Grade II-listed three-storey

main building dating from the late 19th Century,

offering 24,273sq ft of space.

This is complemented by Powell House, a

1960s purpose-built accommodation block

providing 5,188sq ft of space, and a Grade IIlisted

converted stable block connected to the

main building.

In total, the estate offers approximately

29,461sq ft of space.

Jasper Upton, associate in the education and

Charities team at Knight Frank, said: “This rare

opportunity presents an exceptional chance to

acquire a substantial educational campus in a

highly-sought-after Greater London location.

“The site’s proximity to central London,

combined with its historical significance and

alternative use potential, makes it an attractive

proposition for educational providers or

developers seeking to establish a presence in

this thriving area.”

The property enjoys an enviable

position in Surbiton, just 0.1 miles from

Surbiton Station, offering direct services

to London Waterloo with journey times of

approximately 22 minutes.

The location also benefits from easy access to

the A3 and M25, while Heathrow and Gatwick

airports are within 12 and 23 miles respectively.

Surbiton’s appeal is enhanced by its vibrant

community, featuring numerous amenities

including cafés, restaurants, and shops.

The area is particularly noted for its

outstanding educational institutions, with

several Ofsted ‘Outstanding’-rated schools

nearby, including St Andrews & St Marks, Tiffin

Boys’ School, and Tiffin Girls’ School.

The principal of Richmond & Hillcroft

Adult Community College, said: “We are

very mindful of the long history of teaching

and learning at the Hillcroft site that has

inspired many generations of local people,

particularly women.

“While this news will mean the cessation of

activities at the Surbiton site, it is not the end of

the story for women’s education.

“Courses will be transferred to the Parkshot

site or local community venues and Hillcroft’s

legacy will be secured for the long term.”



Vacant building offers potential

Christie & Co has been instructed to

lease a commercial unit in East Kilbride,

Glasgow, with planning permission

approved for conversion into a childcare

nursery facility.

The vacant property is located in Burley

Place, an in-demand and convenientlylocated

site within an established industrial

and trade park just 1.7 miles from East

Kilbride Town Centre.

Previously home to the bottling plant and

offices for Coca-Cola, 1 Burley Place now

features a mix of warehouse and office

accommodation, including a recently-fitted

section that is 5,842sq ft in size and designed

as a 70-place children’s nursery facility.

The nursery space, which is up for sale, has

been finished to a high standard, featuring

secure internal play areas, a commercial

kitchen, a staff room/offices, a children’s

cloakroom, WC facilities, and a reception area.

Additionally, there is a separate surface car

park secured by a metal palisade fence.

And the garden area, which can be accessed

directly from the large free-flow playrooms, is

currently being refurbished.

Callum Lancaster, business agent for

childcare and education at Christie & Co,

who is handling the sale, said: “This is a rare

opportunity for either an existing operator

looking to expand, or a new entrant into the

sector looking to acquire their first setting.

“The landlord is open to negotiations

regarding rent and the rental structure,

particularly as the nursery develops to a moreestablished

level.

“Our client is seeking a tenant for a long-term

fully repairing and insuring lease, presenting

an opportunity to acquire a vacant unit with

significant potential and minimal development

CleverClogs early years settings sold

requirements for conversion into a successful

children’s day nursery, subject to Care

Inspectorate registration.

“The location is ideal for commuters and

is situated in an area with a growing and

expanding population.

“It also sits immediately at the entrance

to K-Woodlands and is an excellent fit for

childcare businesses which specialise in the

woodlands nursery sector.”

Two day nurseries in Norwich have been sold.

Christie & Co has announced the sale of two

CleverClogs settings located in Cringleford

and New Costessey in Norwich which have

a combined effective operating capacity

for 146 children and a growing annual fee

income of circa £2m.

They were opened by Liz Robertson and

Kristin Baker in 2001 and 2012 respectively.


Nick Brown at Christie & Co, the nurseries

have been sold to Bright Stars, which now

owns 120 settings across the UK.

CleverClogs Nursery Group was sold for an

undisclosed price.


Free to attend for Nursery owners

& Directors

1 May


The Belfry

nmtownersclub.com/events

Construction

Retrofit skills gap stalling

net zero progress

A

new study from the Building

Services Research and Information

Association (BSRIA) has found

that retrofit training gaps are stalling netzero

carbon progress in UK construction.

The research surveyed 500 construction

professionals and revealed there is a low

sector-wide understanding of retrofit

technologies and approaches, creating a

potential bottleneck in the UK’s plans

to decarbonise.

Four in 10 professionals stated that the

level of training available to them was

insufficient and that industry knowledge

and understanding of retrofit techniques

are currently ‘lacking’.

However, many professionals see

retrofitting existing buildings as a moreeffective

path to reducing carbon emissions

compared to constructing new buildings.

Another area of the study examined

how professionals measure the impact

of applied retrofit measures, with just

43% of professionals measuring building

performance after envelope changes,

highlighting a concerning ‘do-it-anddash’

trend that skips energy, carbon, and

comfort evaluation.

The findings come at an important time

for the UK’s decarbonisation efforts.

Last July the Climate Change Committee

warned that the UK could be at risk of

missing net zero targets.

And, in early November, ministers

put £30m more into a grant scheme to

encourage the uptake of heat pumps.

The research also revealed surprising

doubts about the value of large-scale retrofit

measures, with one in four professionals

unconvinced of their long-term

effectiveness over the next 20 years.

This was particularly true for sole traders

and those in the repair sector where

just half (55% and 56%, respectively)

thought retrofit measures were worth

the investment.

This could suggest a need for moreadvanced

training on the performance

benefits of these technologies.

The study also flagged an interesting area

of debate — what constitutes ‘comfort’

within net zero spaces.

Here, professionals remain divided —

two in five identified it as air quality and

ventilation, while just over half (52%)

said thermal comfort was the mostimportant

factor.

Natural lighting closely followed (50%)

and then acoustic comfort (40%).

In context, these statistics show variations

in which retrofit measures take precedence.

They also highlight a growing need in the

industry to define a standardised approach

to retrofit assessments, such as the new BS

40104 standard.

Tom Garrigan, technical director at

BSRIA, said: “The results of this study

show a snapshot of the industry’s approach

to retrofitting.

“There’s a clear need for detailed pre- and

post-retrofit assessments.

“Understanding a building’s condition,

possible defects, and energy performance

is an essential step, but one that appears

to be lacking.

“Without high-quality testing, building

owners will never know the true value of

retrofit investments.”

Chief executive, Lisa Ashworth, adds:

“We must upskill the construction

workforce on the value of retrofitting and

the need for a meticulous approach to

every property.

“As the saying goes, ‘you can’t test what

you don’t measure’ — a mindset the entire

industry must embrace.” n

Understanding a

building’s condition,

possible defects, and

energy performance

is an essential step,

but one that appears

to be lacking


Construction

Construction sector a

‘nature-positive’ industry

The construction sector has become

a rising player in global efforts to

become ‘nature positive’, according

to UK-based consultancy, Biodiversify.

Recent reports show that the built

environment sector is responsible for up to

30% of global biodiversity loss.

However, some leading construction

businesses have made significant progress in

mitigating the impact of their operations on

the natural world.

For example, Holcim became one of

three companies globally to publicly adopt

the science-based targets for nature in

October 2024, showcasing that ambitious

and credible action for nature is achievable

within the building materials sector.

BAM, a signatory of the Nature Positive

Business Pledge and an early member of the

Supply Chain Sustainability School, has

also made significant strides in integrating

biodiversity considerations across

its supply chain.

And Biodiversify reported a marked

increase in construction companies seeking

expert advice to embed Biodiversity Net

Gain (BNG) into their projects.

This emerging focus is aided by the recent

work of the UK Green Building Council

(UKGBC) and Supply Chain Sustainability

School to promote the business imperatives

of sustainable procurement.

Biodiversify is currently undertaking

groundbreaking work with the UKGBC

to address the embodied ecological

impacts that are caused by the resource

extraction and manufacturing process,

such as the production and transportation

Image, Annette from Pixabay

of raw materials and the disposal of

unused materials.

This work builds on the insightful

2023 report published by Expedition

Engineering on The Embodied Biodiversity

Impacts of Construction Materials.

Voluntary frameworks, such as the

Taskforce on Nature-related Financial

Disclosures (TNFD) and the Science-

Based Targets Network (SBTN), have also

played a pivotal role in encouraging the

construction sector to assess its relationship

with nature, aided by legislative drivers

including the Corporate Sustainability

Reporting Directive (CSRD).

Daniel Oldham, principal consultant at

Biodiversify, said: “The construction sector

has made impressive progress in addressing

its impact on nature, demonstrating its

capacity for meaningful change.

“Voluntary nature frameworks

have played a key role in helping the

industry adopt robust methodologies

for assessing impacts and dependencies

on nature, enabling more-informed and

effective strategies.

“Many organisations are now wanting to

align with science-based targets for nature,

inspired by early adopters.

“Legislation like the Corporate

Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)

and the upcoming European Union

Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) are

Image, Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

providing a strong foundation. However,

the construction industry can make an

even greater impact by fully embracing

science-based frameworks and integrating

biodiversity considerations across its

entire value chain.”

Biodiversify predicts that the momentum

within the construction sector will

continue to grow in 2025, spurred by

legislative requirements and an expanding

awareness of biodiversity’s critical role in

business resilience. n

The construction

sector has made

impressive progress

in addressing its

impact on nature,

demonstrating

its capacity for

meaningful change


Building Design

A guide to school

renovation projects

The Eddisons Education team provides guidance on school

building renovation projects and outlines the essential

steps from initial assessment to ongoing maintenance

School renovation projects bring a

host of benefits, with better facilities

creating more opportunities for staff

and students, and 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

being spent on services and maintenance

that would not be needed in betterdesigned

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 90% require urgent

repairs or lack basic essentials such as

adequate heating, lighting, and ventilation.

There is 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.

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

MANAGING PROJECTS

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 how to

manage projects, from the initial assessment

to ongoing maintenance.

STEP 1: EVALUATE THE

CONDITION OF THE SCHOOL

Before you commence any 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 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 the priorities, you can

also conduct an energy efficiency survey.

This will identify areas where energy use

is high and provide recommendations for

ways to reduce a school’s energy bill and

carbon footprint.

STEP 2: PLAN THE

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


Building Design

• 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 as 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 then 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 is 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

which 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 energyefficient

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: 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.

This will include details of the

maintenance tasks on a weekly, monthly

and annual basis.

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. n

www.eddisonseducation.co.uk

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


Building Design

Images, Megan Taylor

Child-centric design for

early years settings

Hugh McEwen, a founder at Office S&M Architects, gives pointers

on how to deliver a wellbeing-focused early years setting

We know that children’s wellbeing

can be supported through the

curriculum, resources, and

operation of their nursery. But wellbeing

can also be delivered through the design of

a setting’s spaces.

Buildings should be designed to make

people healthy and happy, and this is why

considering wellbeing is so important from

a human-centric, and more importantly,

child-centric, approach.

Through careful design we can improve

health and wellbeing by positively affecting

everything from sleeping and eating,

through to movement and breathing.

Lighting, heating, and ventilation have

significant physiological effects on our

bodies, and the regulation of these —

particularly for children whose bodies are

learning to self regulate — is key.

This is why wellbeing-led design

improvements are so important when

considering the environment, and we’ll

explain how to deliver these improvements

through this article.

Buildings should be designed to make people healthy and happy, and

this is why considering wellbeing is so important from a human-centric,

and more importantly, child-centric, approach


Building Design

Office S&M recently completed the

interior design for MEplace’s first city

centre nursery, MEplace KX, delivering

the childcare brand’s desire for a joyfulbut-minimal

space.

MEplace began life when founder, Vlada

Bell, became a new mum and decided to

create her own nursery with a focus on

mental and physical health, where every

child is valued and feels confident to share

their feelings, interests, and ideas, and

where parents feel fully involved.

The group now has three nurseries in

Kings Cross, Islington, and Hackney Wick.

What were the challenges and how did

you overcome them?

When we began collaborating with

MEplace, it was already a flourishing brand

with two established sites.

However, the group had faced challenges

with the durability of previous designs, and

had concerns that some of the spaces in the

settings failed to fully align with its brand

identity of joyful minimalism.

Through close collaboration, MEplace

and Office S&M created a new space that

functions beautifully, but also perfectly

embodies the MEplace brand.

What was the thinking

behind the design?

Office S&M worked closely with MEplace

throughout the design and construction of

the purpose-built nursery.

The MEplace team was supported by

Office S&M’s architects and interior

designers from the initial feasibility study

through to construction.

Regular workshops with the MEplace

education team ensured that the spaces

were carefully planned to encompass

learning zones and furniture to support the

bespoke pedagogy of the nursery.

By utilising 3D models and collaborative

schedules using Google Documents,

the interior design and furniture were

meticulously arranged to support the

nursery’s teaching methodology, while

enabling future flexibility.

The environment not only meets, but

exceeds, the Early Years Foundation Stage

(EYFS) Statutory Framework requirements,

and each wing of the nursery offers direct

access to storage, toilets, and open space.

What did the nursery want to achieve?

MEplace is committed to the holistic

education and wellbeing of children, a

mission that is deeply embedded in the

collaborative design for its latest nursery

in King’s Cross.

Central to this mission is the creation

of spaces that encourage independent

exploration and development.

This is reflected in every detail of the

new MEplace nursery, from a colour

scheme and visuals that help children

build a sense of self and community, to

carefully-scaled fittings that empower

their independence.

Since our beginnings, we’ve been

committed to delivering exceptional

education and care focused on mental and

physical health in the early years.

Our aim has always been to uphold the

highest quality standards, prioritising the

wellbeing of children and families rather

than pursuing growth for its own sake.

We strive for expansion with integrity,

continuing to make a positive impact

in the thriving communities we’re

part of. MEplace KX is a continuation

of that promise.

How important is sustainability?

A dedication to sustainability is one

of the key elements that sets MEplace

apart, and this commitment is evident

throughout the nursery.

The fit-out uses natural materials, from

the timber structure to wooden furniture.

Low Volatile Organic Compound

(VOC) paints are designed to create good

air quality and not give off fumes, while

filtered ventilation also delivers excellent air

quality for little lungs.

Water is also filtered, and children are

provided with a plant-based menu of

nutritious food.

Each room is comfort-controlled

to warm or cool the space as needed,

since children will go from being

active to sleeping, requiring different

temperatures in each case.

Finally, the design prioritises ample

natural light, with blinds to adjust the light

throughout the day.

Additional artificial light can be ‘tuned’

to create cooler and warmer atmospheres,

which helps with circadian rhythm

(sleep cycle).

For example, cooler light makes us feel

more awake during the day because it


Building Design

stimulates the production of cortisol, and

warmer light helps us feel sleepy because it

reduces cortisol production.

Each of these features contributes to the

children’s wellbeing and was integrated

right from the project’s beginnings by

drawing on Office S&M’s expertise in

human-centric design.

Sustainability is a guiding principle in the

MEplace approach, both as a curriculum

topic and embedded in our operations.

Every choice throughout this project

reflects our commitment to environmental

sustainability and whole-life carbon

considerations. We want our actions to

reflect our company values, inspiring

a sense of stewardship among our

children and team.

We hold a sense of responsibility, not

only to those we serve now, but also to

future generations who will inherit the

world we shape.

What was particularly innovative

about the design?

Office S&M’s approach was inspired by

teachings from Maria Montessori, who

described a child’s environment as their

‘third teacher’.

With this in mind, Office S&M

designed the new space as a learning tool

— an idea developed through a series of

indepth workshops with the MEplace

educational team.

The design invites children to explore

and develop their ‘self concept’ — the

perception that we have of ourselves,

which includes knowing about one’s

own tendencies, thoughts, preferences,

and habits, hobbies, skills, and

areas of weakness.

Each age group has a distinct colour

scheme, delivered through pops of

colour at child height, which encourages

children to identify their own space and

connect with peers.

Meanwhile, the MEplace logo’s

signature red is used for interactive

elements, from hooks to handles, fostering

children’s independence.

By using neutral colours throughout

the interiors, brighter colours are then

employed to guide children.

In this way, the brand’s strong online

graphic identity has been brought to life in

the physical space with functional elements

that directly benefit children.

This is delivered through Office S&M’s

‘functional colour’ approach, where colour

theory is used to change the scale and

improve the function of spaces.

There are studies of human vision that

show if we paint a wall in a contrasting

colour then it will feel closer to us. In this

way, we can make rooms feel more akin

to the scale of children by having higher

contrast between the walls and ceiling

which makes the ceiling feel lower.

This project is not just a milestone for the

nursery, but a model for child-centric,

wellbeing-focused early years settings

How does it help foster

children’s development?

The new nursery spaces have been designed

with a calming colour scheme to make the

interiors seem homely.

A dado painted at child height makes

the 3.7m-tall rooms feel more intimate and

comfortable for children.

And each sink is ergonomically raised to

the correct height for the specific age group

it is serving, to promote independence.

Furthermore, controls and security

features have been positioned above

children’s eyeline and reach, while crosslaminated

timber ceilings and columns,

paired with cork protectors, provide an

abundance of natural materials.

Each of these choices makes the space

both comfortable and empowering for the

children it is designed for.

Balancing this dedication to

sustainability with considerations of

operational efficiency was a key part of

our work with Office S&M, and our

collaboration has allowed us to see our

ambitions fully realised.

The design perfectly embodies our

vision of providing holistic care in a

purposeful, inviting space which is true

to our values.

MEplace KX is more than a building;

it’s an embodiment of our enduring

commitment to quality and community.

We’ve loved welcoming our children into

the space, and we’re excited to carry on our

partnership with Office S&M as MEplace

continues to grow.

By addressing challenges collaboratively,

integrating sustainability, and fostering

independence through design, Office S&M

has created a nursery that perfectly aligns

with MEplace’s mission.

This project is not just a milestone for

the nursery, but a model for child-centric,

wellbeing-focused early years settings. n


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Inside issue 04, August-September 2024

• Low-carbon heating key to providing

affordable, safe, and sustainable

student accommodation

• How Labour’s victory in the General Election

will impact on the education property market

• Discussing the untapped potential of

transforming empty commercial premises

into early years education settings

Inside issue 05, October-November 2024

• Designing for expansion — how architects

are helping nursery providers scale their

businesses across the UK

• The impact of well-designed outdoor

play spaces on learning outcomes and

pupil wellbeing

• New professional alliance supports

education estates managers to meet

compliance demands

Inside issue 06, December 2024-January 2025

• Budget special report: Find out what

Labour’s first Budget means for the sector

• How evolving needs are leading to a rethink

of student accommodation design

• Review: The highlights from the 2024

Education Summit

EDUCATION-PROPERTY.COM

Estates and Facilities Management

Security trends facing

the education property

sector in 2025

Peter Jackson, managing director of Jacksons Fencing,

explores how the sector can stay ahead of emerging

security challenges and safeguard its most-valuable

assets with advanced, integrated security solutions

As educational institutions face

an increasingly-complex security

landscape, the need for robust

and adaptable solutions has never been

more pressing.

The risks to students, staff, and property

have expanded beyond traditional threats

like theft and trespassing to include cyber

attacks, physical security breaches, and the

need for heightened protections during

high-profile events.

To address these evolving threats,

education property managers are being

pushed to think beyond conventional

perimeter security and implement

advanced, integrated systems.

And Jacksons Fencing is at the forefront

of innovation in response to these trends.

LAYERED SECURITY

For years, perimeter fencing and access

control have been the cornerstones of

security for educational institutions.

However, as the risks facing these

institutions become more complex,

the need for layered security

strategies has grown.

Perimeter security remains a vital

first line of defence, but it’s no longer

sufficient on its own.

The security of educational campuses

requires a multi-layered approach that

integrates everything from physical

barriers to digital surveillance and

cyber protections.

For schools, colleges, and universities,

the key is to create a security solution that

works across all potential vulnerabilities.

A modern security plan for education

property might include high-security

fencing, CCTV surveillance, intruder

detection systems, secure access points,

and robust cyber security measures for

online platforms.

And these systems must be designed

to complement each other, providing

seamless protection while ensuring minimal

disruption to the daily operations of

the institution.

The education sector is also seeing

an increase in the adoption of security

ratings like LPS 1175, which certifies

the effectiveness of physical security

measures against forced entry and other

threats. More schools and universities

are now consulting security experts to

ensure their perimeter solutions meet

industry standards.

DATA PROTECTION

In the age of digital transformation, there

is now the challenge of protecting sensitive

data stored on premises or in data centres.

Due to the amount of private and

institutional data they house, such

as student records, research data, or

proprietary intellectual property, they

are prime targets for cyber criminals or

physical break-ins.

Institutions are increasingly turning

to multi-layered security strategies for

their data centres, including advanced

fencing solutions, 24/7 surveillance, and

biometric access control to ensure that

only authorised individuals can access

sensitive areas.

Moreover, institutions storing

sensitive or proprietary data need to

ensure compliance with data protection

regulations, implementing both physical

and cyber security measures to mitigate

potential breaches.

Security experts recommend working

with consultants to design bespoke security

systems tailored to the unique needs of each

campus, especially in areas like data centres

where threats can range from cyber attacks

to physical theft or vandalism.

HVM ON CAMPUS

In recent years, the threat of vehiclebased

attacks has become a significant

concern for public spaces, including

educational properties.


Estates and Facilities Management

And, as a result, Hostile Vehicle

Mitigation (HVM) systems are more

frequently a consideration for schools and

universities, particularly those in high-traffic

areas or major urban centres.

HVM solutions are designed to prevent

vehicles from driving onto campuses and

into sensitive areas, effectively reducing the

risk of vehicle ramming attacks.

HVM solutions, including anti-ram

barriers, bollards, and reinforced gates, are

designed to prevent vehicles from forcibly

entering school sites.

These measures are particularly important

during peak times, such as school arrivals and

departures, as well as during large events.

Institutions should also consider the

design of new buildings or renovations to

incorporate these protective features from

the outset, ensuring proactive measures are in

place before incidents occur.

KEY AREAS

Educational estates have several high-risk

areas that require special attention when

designing security systems.

The main perimeter, especially entrance

gates, needs to be robust and centrally

monitored to prevent weak spots.

Separate gates for vehicles and pedestrians

ensures safety while maintaining

smooth traffic flow.

Additionally, entry points to school

buildings must have controlled access points,

with surveillance cameras to monitor access

and secure locks.

Specific areas such as playgrounds,

recreational spaces, and bike storage

also require secure fencing to prevent

unauthorised access and protect students and

valuable equipment.

Similarly, parking lots and drop-off zones

require vigilant monitoring to ensure student

safety during peak traffic times and to

prevent vehicle-related threats.

Educational institutions must also

consider areas where students are near public

spaces, such as footpaths running alongside

school fields.

Privacy and noise control measures,

including acoustic barriers, are essential for

safeguarding students from inappropriate

public contact and minimising disruptions

from external noise, which is especially

important in urban areas.

HIGH-PROFILE EVENTS

Many educational institutions host large

events, such as graduations, sports games,

and community gatherings, which require

flexible and dynamic security systems.

These events can attract large crowds

and media attention, increasing the risk of

security incidents.

Future-planning is critical here, utilising

risk assessments to map out any potential

future events and designating areas to be

used, then specifying appropriate security

measures for them.

Alternatively, schools and universities

should look to invest in scalable security

solutions that can be quickly deployed and

adapted to changing conditions.

Temporary barriers, crowd control

measures, and portable surveillance

systems are increasingly relied upon for

such events. These solutions ensure the

safety of students, staff, and visitors while

maintaining a welcoming environment

for large crowds.

Gates should also be considered in longterm

planning, such as automated gates that

can be customised to meet specific needs,

ensuring security during high-traffic events

without compromising campus aesthetics

or functionality.

Gates come in various sizes and

configurations, with options for

vehicular or pedestrian use, as well as

different opening types and single- or

double-leaf designs.

To ensure safety, gates can be equipped

with sensors and reversing mechanisms to

detect obstacles and prevent entrapment.

THE FUTURE

The security needs of educational

institutions have evolved significantly

in recent years, driven by advances in

technology and increased awareness of

security threats.

Today’s security solutions must integrate

both physical and digital protections,

offering a comprehensive approach that

addresses the complex challenges of

modern campuses.

New technologies, such as smart

surveillance systems, have enhanced

the ability to monitor and respond to

incidents in real time.

Additionally, evolving government

regulations, such as updated fencing height

standards and increased emphasis on

acoustic barriers, have set new benchmarks

for campus security.

By embracing these emerging trends,

educational institutions can ensure that

their campuses remain safe, secure, and

resilient in the face of evolving threats.

As educational institutions face

increasingly-complex security risks, the

need for integrated, adaptive security

solutions has never been more pressing.

By adopting layered security strategies,

protecting sensitive data, implementing

hostile vehicle mitigation, and ensuring

privacy and noise control, schools, colleges,

and universities can safeguard their

campuses for the future.

With the right planning, investment,

and consultation, educational property

managers can stay ahead of emerging

security challenges, ensuring the

safety of students, staff, and valuable

assets in an unpredictable and rapidlychanging

world. n

The security needs of educational institutions

have evolved significantly in recent years,

driven by advances in technology and

increased awareness of security threats


Environmental

Legacy buildings

key to net zero

universities

A new report from the Association of University Directors of

Estates (AUDE) explores how improving older buildings can

help the sector meet tough carbon reduction targets

The Association of University

Directors of Estates (AWDE) has

updated its 2008 Legacy Buildings

Guide which supports higher education

estates teams in managing the carbon

obligations of existing buildings.

Created in conjunction with Arup, the

121-page document aims to help estates

professionals navigate their way through

transforming existing estates in line with the

Government’s net-zero carbon ambitions.

Syd Cottle, chairman of AUDE and

director of estates management at the

University of Liverpool, says in his

foreword: “As leaders in the academic

sector, universities have a unique

opportunity, and indeed a responsibility, to

set the standard for sustainable practices.

“By prioritising the reuse and retrofitting

of legacy buildings, universities not only

conserve resources, but also demonstrate a

commitment to leading the charge toward a

more-sustainable future.”

THE SCALE OF THE PROBLEM

After the Second World War there was

a significant expansion of UK higher

education establishments, which led to a

high number of buildings being constructed

around this time.

According to HMR data, of the 16

million sq m of non-residential gross

internal area across the UK’s higher

education institutes, 83% was constructed

since the war.

And those built between the war and

1999 are considered to be at the end of their

intended life — legacy buildings — and

therefore in need of improvement to meet

carbon net zero targets.

According to the report, legacy

buildings typically have a number of

problems, including:

• Underutilisation of space

• Tired aesthetics both

internally and externally

• Poor natural lighting and

thermal comfort

• Poor accessibility and circulation of

people around the building

By prioritising the reuse and retrofitting of legacy buildings,

universities not only conserve resources, but also demonstrate a

commitment to leading the charge toward a more-sustainable future


Environmental

• Poor energy efficiency and sustainability

• Safety issues

• Maintenance issues

And, given the number of problems, there

has been a tendency to demolish and build

new facilities.

But the report aims to support higher

education providers to make the most of

these legacy buildings.

Cottle said: “In today’s financiallyconstrained

environment — with capital

spending in the higher education estate

£1bn down on pre-pandemic levels —

retrofitting presents an attractive, costeffective

alternative to new construction.

“Investing in the enhancement and

repurposing of existing structures not

only reduces upfront costs, but also lowers

ongoing maintenance expenses, providing

long-term financial benefits.

“This guide underscores how retrofitting

can be a prudent financial decision,

enabling institutions to stretch their

budgets further while still achieving

significant improvements in infrastructure

and sustainability.

“By making informed, strategic choices,

universities can balance the need for fiscal

responsibility with the imperative to

improve and modernise their estates.”

EMBRACING THE CHALLENGE

But the report also recognises the

challenges faced by estates managers.

Cottle said: “This guide does not

shy away from discussing the potential

difficulties that may arise, such as dealing

with unexpected structural issues,

or aligning modern standards with

older frameworks.

“However, by providing clear guidance

and real-world examples, it offers the

confidence that these challenges can be

overcome with thoughtful planning and

expert execution.

“The success of retrofitting projects

often hinges on collaboration — between

architects, engineers, sustainability experts,

and the wider university community.

“This guide encourages a collaborative

approach, where diverse perspectives

come together to create spaces that are not

only functional and sustainable, but also

reflective of the values and needs of the

community they serve.”

He adds: “Futureproofing the campus

estate means more than just updating

buildings; it’s about creating adaptable

spaces that can evolve with changing needs

and new technologies.

“This guide offers strategies for ensuring

that today’s retrofitting projects remain

relevant and functional in the decades to

come, providing lasting value for both the

university and the wider community.”

FUNDING

The report also calls for changes to funding

so that retrofitting becomes a morefinancially-appealing

option.

It states: “There are financial challenges

to retrofitting and securing funding.

“One such barrier in the UK is that 20%

VAT is paid on most refurbishment projects,

Futureproofing

the campus estate

means more than just

updating buildings;

it’s about creating

adaptable spaces

that can evolve with

changing needs and

new technologies

were new builds typically pay 0-5%. There

are campaigns to address this penalty for

doing what’s right for the environment.

“Understanding the returns for the

various retrofitting options allows informed

decisions on what, and when, to be made.

“Hopefully retrofitting will be financially

incentivised in the coming years to

encourage the industry-wide shift required

to achieve ambitious climate targets.”

However, it states that, when used

effectively, retrofitting can lower

capital costs and enable quicker

turnaround times. n


Environmental

Boulevard Academy students show Melissa Rackham, engagement manager at Oh Yes! Net Zero, their sustainability work

Funding supports schools’

green ambitions

Hull schools receive funding to support energy

efficiency projects and drive sustainability

Six climate-conscious schools have

received funding to accelerate their

drive to net zero.

Hull secondary schools are being

supported under a pioneering programme

run by the Oh Yes! Net Zero campaign.

The schools successfully bid for at least

£10,000 — jointly funded by Oh Yes! Net

Zero founding partners, Reckitt, and Hull

City Council — to help them accurately

measure and reduce their carbon footprint.

As part of the same project, five studentled

climate initiatives have also received

funding. Those projects range from

rainwater harvesting and recycling to

biodiversity enhancement.

The funding was awarded through Oh

Yes! Net Zero’s Climate Changemakers

programme, which was launched

to inspire the next generation of

environmental champions.

A SHARED GOAL

Launched in 2022, the campaign brings

together businesses and organisations

in Hull and the Humber with a shared

commitment to reduce their carbon

footprint and transition to net zero.

Grace Chapman, programme lead for the

Climate Changemakers project, said: “Our

programme empowers young people to take

action to protect the planet.

“We’re excited it is now entering the next

phase to support schools in taking action

to reduce their carbon emissions, improve

biodiversity, and empower students

to make change.”

Schools have large estates with multiple

buildings and facilities and reducing their

environmental impact is important in the

net zero transition.

And the funding will enable the

five schools to implement an energy

management system on their sites. This will

allow them to comprehensively measure,

understand, and analyse their carbon


Environmental

footprint, with the aim of using the data to

develop carbon reduction plans.

Chapman said: “An energy management

system can highlight a specific part of

the estate — like a sports hall — which is

consuming high levels of energy.

“Having that knowledge enables schools

to focus on tackling areas which can have

the biggest impact.

“Once a school has identified suitable

projects, it can apply for grant funding

to support the investments required to

transition to net zero.”

CLIMATE LEADERS

Martin Budd, climate change manager

at Hull City Council, added: “A key

element of Hull’s 2030 Carbon Neutral

Strategy is engaging with young people

so they can help shape a city of tomorrow

— one with low-carbon energy and

sustainability at its heart.

“For students to see the work their own

schools are doing to reduce their carbon

footprint, as well as getting involved in

some really-powerful sustainability projects,

is a fantastic way to inspire the next

generation of climate leaders.”

The schools to receive funding are:

• The Boulevard Academy, west Hull

• Kelvin Hall School, west Hull

• Malet Lambert, east Hull

• The Marvell College, east Hull

• Newland School for Girls, west Hull

• Sirius Academy West, west Hull

Lydia Burton, teacher of science and

eco committee co-ordinator at The

Boulevard Academy, said: “We’ve seen

first-hand the passion and wonderful

ideas that students have had as part of this

sustainability project.

“What is also clear to see is how acutely

aware our students are of the impacts of

climate change, and the urgent need to take

action to protect our planet and become

more sustainable.

“We’re so grateful to have received

this funding, which will enable us to

move forwards with our own carbon

reduction plan.

“By involving our students in that

process, we are inspiring them to think

about the small changes they can make

in their own life which all play a part in

tackling climate change.”

Student-led projects to receive

funding span a broad range of

sustainability initiatives.

At Malet Lambert School, The Boulevard

Academy, and The Marvell College,

students will create vegetable gardens

to grow produce.

Meanwhile, at Kelvin Hall School,

students will work on a rainwater harvesting

Boulevard Academy students

For students to see the work their own schools

are doing to reduce their carbon footprint, as

well as getting involved in some really-powerful

sustainability projects, is a fantastic way to

inspire the next generation of climate leaders

project alongside a recycling scheme and

sensory garden to improve biodiversity.

Sirius Academy West students will use

their funding to purchase a wind turbine

model to help explain the concept of

renewable energy to other students and

improve their green space through a

student garden.

The latest Climate Changemakers project

is supported by Hull-based C3 Group,

a sustainability consultancy providing

businesses with net-zero strategies, lowcarbon

technologies, and energy efficiency

retrofit work. n

Boulevard Academy students with Martin Budd and Cllr Charles Quinn, Hull CC


Environmental

Research centre

scoops green accolade

The University of Exeter’s Centre for

Resilience in Environment, Water and

Waste (CREWW) has won the Sustainable

Lab of the Year Award at the Lab

Innovation Awards 2024 in recognition of

its eco-friendly achievements.

CREWW is a ground-breaking partnership

between South West Water and the

University of Exeter and a first of its kind in

the water sector.

It includes state-of-the-art laboratories,

such as a pioneering microplastics lab,

and the building itself is a living laboratory

where energy and water efficiency

are continuously monitored, analysed,

and optimised to continue to be net

zero in operation.

The award recognised the positive culture of

sustainability displayed by all staff, whose hard

work saw them awarded Laboratory Efficiency

Assessment Framework (LEAF) Gold award

within two months of the building opening in

March last year.

Located on the university’s Steatham

campus, South West Water is investing £21m

into CREWW, recognising that the need for

collaboration on important environmental

issues has never been greater.

Richard Brazier, CREWW co-director

and Professor of Earth Sciences at the

University of Exeter, said: “CREWW is

bringing together the best minds from across

multiple disciplines at the University of

Exeter with industry experts at South West

Water to develop a shared understanding

of water sector issues, so that we can cocreate

engineering, nature, economic, and

behaviour-based solutions that will make a

lasting positive impact to communities and

ecosystems around the world.

“We are delighted to win this prestigious

award that celebrates the outstanding

innovation and sustainability of the CREWW

building on our Streatham Campus.

“It is wonderful recognition of our

positive culture of sustainability in our

CREWW laboratories.”

£1m college contract awarded

Technical and energy services company,

Dalkia, has been awarded a £1m facilities

management (FM) contract to provide a full

range of services to Nottingham College.

The contract includes heating and

ventilation, lighting and cooling systems,

boilers, PAT testing, BMS, CHP, lifts, access,

photovoltaic solar panels, and high- and lowvoltage

systems.

In addition to providing PPM and reactive

services across the 77,000sq m campus of

classrooms, communal areas, gymnasiums,

laboratories, catering facilities, and offices, the

Dalkia team will also deliver mechanical and

electrical upgrade and installation projects,

service resilience, and response capability.

Gary McGinty, director of estates and capital

projects at Nottingham College, said: “Ensuring

our buildings are well maintained and providing

a safe, comfortable environment for our staff

and students is a top priority.

“Dalkia’s strong commitment to sustainability

and extensive experience in the education

sector truly impressed us and we look forward

to a successful collaboration.”

Mark Davis, operations manager at Dalkia,

adds: “The education sector is a significant part

of our portfolio.

“Our expertise lies in delivering technicallyled

facilities management and we are

delighted to be expanding our capabilities

further in this area.

“With Nottingham College’s ethos of

partnership and working alongside the

community, we are excited to support them and

over the next three years we look forward to

transforming its estate asset management to a

technically-led, cutting-edge delivery platform

and working together to reduce carbon while

delivering additional learning spaces.’

Reappraise Consulting advised the college

on the contract.


2025 Education Events


29 January 2025 | The Belfry, Sutton Coldfield


19 March 2025 | Celtic Manor, Newport

Education Property Forum Midlands




Education Property Awards

20 May 2025 | Marriott, Leeds

EducationInvestor Awards

17 June 2025 | Marriott Grosvenor Square,

London


27–28 June 2025 | NEC, Birmingham


17 September 2025 | Celtic Manor, Newport

Education Property Forum London


ISM Forum London


Education Summit

17 October 2025 | Business Design Centre,

London

NMT Owners Club South East

6 November 2025 | Marriott, Lingfield


28–29 November 2025 | ExCeL, London

National Nursery Awards

29 November 2025 | ExCeL, London

NMT Owners Club London

9 July 2025 | IET: Savoy Place, London

Education Property Issue 07 February-March 2025

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