Independent schools under construction

New research¹ from specialist education insurer Ecclesiastical has revealed investments in new independent school buildings remains at an all-time high.

The survey of 250 UK independent school leaders discovered four in five (81%) independent schools are constructing or planning to construct new buildings (83% in 2021)². Of which one in five (19%) independent school leaders said construction is currently taking place, while half (47%) will have new buildings constructed within the next one to five years. And 15% plan to construct new buildings in more than five years time.

Improving the energy efficiency and sustainability of school estates is a top priority for the independent education sector. The survey found the most popular investments independent schools are making within the next year are increasing insulation (18%) and installing electric vehicle charging points (16%).

Looking ahead to the next one to two years, independent schools are planning to invest in buildings using modern methods of construction (27%), solar PV to battery storage (26%), buildings constructed from sustainable materials (26%), and smart building management systems (26%).

In the medium term, installing triple glazing (28%) and using a renewable energy supplier (27%) are the top investments independent schools plan to make within three to four years.

Laura Carter, Customer Segment Director at Ecclesiastical Insurance, said: “As one of the leading insurers of independent schools in the UK, Ecclesiastical is passionate about supporting the independent education sector. Our research has found four in five independent schools are constructing or planning to construct new buildings and many are making investments in sustainable technologies. Improving the energy efficiency and sustainability of school buildings is hugely important and can present risks and challenges, particularly around combustibility, which need to be carefully managed. We encourage independent schools to think about the risks they may face and how best to protect their organisations for the future. When considering a new school building or sustainability project, we urge schools to consult all interested parties, including their insurance broker or insurer at the earliest stage.”

• When considering a new independent school building or sustainability project, consult all interested parties, including your insurers at the earliest stage. Your insurer’s requirements for fire protection and building resilience may be higher than building regulations. Involve your insurer at the design and planning stage so they can work with you to mitigate risks and advise you on the fire or other protection measures needed.
• Some materials used in MMC construction such as timber framing and sheathing boards, insulation and cladding materials are combustible. Where possible, look for alternative non-combustible materials to achieve the same sustainable results.
• Natural materials such as hemp, wool and straw and foam based insulation products are all classified as combustible materials and used in conjunction with timber framing, or combustible cladding systems can have serious consequences for a buildings ability to withstand the effects of fire. Where possible, use a non-combustible material such as mineral wool or cellular glass to insulate your buildings.
• When planning to install solar panels, always investigate the structural suitability of the building/roof and liaise with fire and rescue services on the location of panels and isolation switches.
• Always use an accredited installer for the installation of any solar panels and/or biomass heating systems.
• Biomass heating systems can present fire and carbon monoxide poisoning risks. To reduce these risks ensure they are contained in their own fire-resisting compartment which is separated from the fuel store. Restrict access to fuel stores to authorised persons only. Clean out the boiler house regularly and remove all combustible waste, clear out fuel stores regularly, and get flues to boilers inspected and cleaned regularly by a competent person.

Ecclesiastical Insurance’s Independent Schools Risk Barometer 2024 explores the top risks within the education sector and focuses on key areas of concern including mergers and acquisitions, mental health and safeguarding. It is the latest in a series of sector insights from Ecclesiastical Insurance, combining independent research with specialist knowledge from the insurer.

Ecclesiastical Insurance offers a range of risk management support and guidance to help independent schools manage the risks they face. See our education risk guidance.

¹ The survey was commissioned by Ecclesiastical Insurance and conducted by OnePoll with 250 UK independent school leaders (including bursars, head teachers, deputy head teachers, heads of departments) 8 to 14 February 2024.

² The survey was commissioned by Ecclesiastical Insurance and conducted by OnePoll with 275 UK head teachers, bursars and governors from 3 September to 15 September 2021. 107 were from independent schools.