How to plan for expansion in schools & colleges
Across the UK, schools and colleges are facing increasing pressure on space as student numbers rise. Population growth, demographic shifts, and curriculum changes all contribute to a greater demand for learning environments that are safe, efficient and fit for purpose.
At RAM Building Consultancy, we work with education providers to anticipate these pressures and plan for sustainable, long-term estate growth. Expanding capacity isn’t just about building more classrooms, it’s about aligning estate development with educational vision, funding and compliance obligations.
The Challenge of Growing Student Numbers
Although the rate of growth in school places has slowed in recent years, there remains significant overcapacity across many schools and colleges. For estate managers, this presents several challenges:
- Capacity Pressure: Ensuring that core facilities (classrooms, labs, sports spaces, dining halls) can accommodate larger cohorts.
- Funding Constraints: Delivering expansion projects within limited budgets while maintaining value for money.
- Regulatory Compliance: Meeting building regulations, safeguarding requirements, and the updated School Estate Management Standards 2025.
- Sustainability Goals: Designing and adapting buildings to support the DfE’s net zero strategy and climate resilience targets.
- Operational Disruption: Balancing construction or refurbishment projects with the day-to-day running of the school or college.
Key Considerations When Planning for Expansion
1. Strategic Estate Planning
Every expansion project should begin with a whole-estate strategy. This involves reviewing existing capacity, forecasting future demand, and aligning estate decisions with your institution’s educational objectives. At RAM, we help schools and colleges develop Asset Management Plans (AMPs) that identify priority projects and create a clear roadmap for growth.
2. Maximising Existing Space
Before building new, it’s essential to optimise what you already have. Space utilisation studies can reveal underused areas, opportunities for reconfigure layouts, or ways to adapt non-teaching spaces for learning.
3. Future-Proofing Design
Expansion projects should anticipate not only current demand but also future changes in curriculum, technology, and teaching methods. Designing flexible, multi-use spaces helps schools adapt without major reinvestment later.
4. Compliance and Safety
All expansion plans must consider statutory compliance, from fire safety and accessibility to planning regulations and safeguarding standards. RAM supports schools with condition surveys, compliance audits and risk assessments to ensure projects start on solid ground.
5. Sustainability and Net Zero
Growth must not come at the expense of environmental responsibility. Incorporating renewable energy, natural ventilation, and sustainable materials into expansion projects reduces long-term costs and supports DfE sustainability goals.
6. Funding and Lifecycle Costing
Expansion is a major financial commitment. Lifecycle Costing ensures decisions are based on long-term value, not just initial construction costs. RAM provides data-driven budgeting support, helping schools make informed choices and secure funding more effectively.
Minimising Disruption During Expansion
Construction in a live school or college environment requires careful planning. Key steps include:
- Phased delivery to maintain operational continuity
- Safe separation of construction areas from students and staff
- Communication plans to keep stakeholders informed
- Out of hours or holiday period scheduling where possible
How RAM Building Consultancy Supports Expansion
At RAM, we provide end-to-end support for schools and colleges planning for growth, including:
- Condition and Capacity Surveys – identifying existing estate performance and opportunities for expansion
- Feasibility Studies – Testing options for new build, refurbishment or reconfiguration
- Strategic Asset Management Planning – Aligning projects with long-term educational priorities
- Funding Support – developing robust business cases with lifecycle costing and value for money analysis
- Project Delivery Oversight – ensuring expansion projects are delivered safely, sustainably and on budget
Conclusion
Rising student numbers present both challenges and opportunities. With the right planning, schools and colleges can turn capacity pressures into a catalyst for smarter, more sustainable estates.
At RAM Building Consultancy, we help education providers adapt with confidence, from the first survey to the final handover. By combining data-driven insights with practical solutions, we ensure expansion projects not only meet today’s demand but also support future generations of learners.
