When planning to refurbish your school toilets, it’s important to remember that this isn’t the same as designing a dream home bathroom or even a standard commercial washroom. Children and young people have very specific needs and expectations that must be met to ensure safety, comfort, hygiene, and compliance.

Schools also need to adhere to regulations and guidelines covering everything from accessibility to safeguarding. Beyond compliance, there are also practical considerations like durability, privacy, and ease of maintenance.

At Preston Plywood, we work with schools to provide washroom cubicle systems that balance functionality, compliance, and long-term value. Here are some key factors to keep in mind when planning your refurbishment.

1. Compliance and Regulations

Schools must meet specific legal requirements when it comes to washrooms, which vary depending on pupil age and school size. These include:

• Minimum ratios of toilets and washbasins per number of pupils.
• Accessible facilities that are inclusive and suitable for all users.
• Gender considerations – ensuring adequate facilities for boys and girls.
• Privacy and safeguarding regulations, particularly in secondary schools.

📋 Tip: Always check the Department for Education guidelines before planning, to ensure your new facilities will meet legal standards.

2. Privacy and Comfort

Privacy is one of the most common concerns raised by pupils about school washrooms. Poorly designed cubicles can lead to discomfort and even discourage pupils from using them during the school day.

• Choose full-height cubicle doors or ensure minimal gaps to improve privacy.
• Consider individual cubicles that reduce noise and disruption.
• Provide sufficient space inside for comfort, especially for older pupils.

3. Hygiene and Cleanliness

School toilets must be easy to clean and maintain, especially given their high usage. The choice of materials is critical here:

• Opt for moisture-resistant, easy-to-clean laminates that withstand daily cleaning.
• Ensure good ventilation to prevent odours and dampness.
• Install touch-free accessories where possible, such as soap dispensers and hand dryers.l

🧼 Tip: Select materials that resist graffiti and are durable enough to handle wear and tear.

4. Safety and Durability

Washrooms in schools are high-traffic areas, so cubicles must be strong and long-lasting.

• Use robust hardware to prevent damage from heavy use.
• Ensure anti-finger-trap hinges for younger children’s safety.
• Invest in impact-resistant panels for longevity and reduced replacement costs.

5. Design and Layout

The shape and size of the washroom space can affect layout. Planning carefully ensures the washroom is practical as well as compliant.

• Maximise the available space with a logical layout of cubicles, sinks, and hand-drying facilities.
• Consider unisex layouts with full-height cubicles, increasingly popular for safeguarding and space efficiency.
• Provide bright, welcoming colours to create a positive environment for younger children.

6. Accessibility and Inclusivity

Every school must provide accessible toilet facilities. Beyond compliance, inclusivity should be a key design focus.

• Include at least one fully accessible cubicle with wider doors and grab rails.
• Consider the needs of pupils with sensory sensitivities by avoiding harsh lighting or noisy fixtures.

Current Trends in School Washroom Design

Modern school washrooms are no longer purely functional—they’re being designed with creativity and wellbeing in mind. Some of the current trends include:

🎨 Brightly coloured cubicles – bold colours make washrooms more engaging and welcoming for younger pupils.

🌿 Sustainable materials – schools are increasingly opting for eco-friendly laminates and fittings.

👩‍🦽 Inclusive layouts – fully accessible cubicles are being integrated seamlessly into designs rather than as an afterthought.

🧑‍🎨 Custom branding – incorporating school colours or logos into cubicle panels to create a sense of identity.

These trends show that school washrooms can be functional and uplifting at the same time.

Designing or refurbishing school washrooms is about much more than appearance—it’s about compliance, hygiene, privacy, durability, and comfort. A well-planned washroom can make a huge difference to pupils’ wellbeing and the school environment as a whole.

How Preston Plywood Can Help

At Preston Plywood, we supply durable, high-quality washroom cubicle systems designed with schools in mind. Our products meet compliance requirements while offering strength, practicality, and ease of maintenance.

👉 Get in touch with our team today to discuss your school’s washroom refurbishment project.

📞 Call us on 01772 561656

📧 Email us at sales@ prestonplywoodltd.co.uk