Getting the temperature right in the classroom is important; too hot and everyone falls asleep and doesn’t learn, too cold and we shiver, and must put extra jumpers on.
A hot classroom is also expensive as more heating Is needed, and heating costs money. The temperature in a classroom is normally controlled by a thermostat on the wall where you can set the temperature of the classroom, or by thermostatic radiator valves which are connected to each radiator.
The best temperatures for schools are:
- Normal classrooms: 18°C
- Corridors: 15°C
- Areas with high levels of activity (e.g. sports halls): 15°C
- Areas with low levels of activity: 21°C
- Special needs schools or areas with very young children: 21°C
You can find an example policy on classroom temperature
here or use this as a starting point to write your own.
Keep in mind the following:
- Who will have responsibility for measuring classroom temperatures?
- Who will have responsibility for adjusting thermostats or boiler settings?
- How will you record comfort levels?
- How will you encourage pupils and staff to put on a jumper if they are used to hotter classrooms?
- How will you monitor classroom temperatures long term to check they don't creep up again?
- Remember to use the Energy Sparks charts to see the impact reduced classroom temperatures have on the school's energy use.
- How will performance be communicated to everyone in the school?