Outdoor learning has moved well beyond occasional forest school sessions. Increasingly, schools, colleges and academies are investing in dedicated outdoor classrooms that support curriculum delivery, improve pupil wellbeing and make better use of available estate space.
Whether creating an all-weather teaching area, an outdoor STEM space or a flexible learning environment for younger pupils, today’s outdoor classroom solutions combine robust construction with practical furniture, storage and accessibility features designed for everyday educational use.
For school business managers, estates teams and procurement professionals, the challenge is selecting a solution that balances educational value with durability, maintenance requirements and long-term return on investment.
This buyer’s guide explains the different types of outdoor classrooms available, the products schools should compare and the questions to ask suppliers before investing.
At a Glance: Outdoor Classroom Comparison
| Feature | What Schools Should Compare |
|---|---|
| Shelters | Permanent or modular construction, weather protection and planning requirements |
| Furniture | Seating, tables, flexibility, storage and durability |
| Surfacing | Safety, drainage, accessibility and maintenance |
| Storage | Secure storage for learning resources and equipment |
| Accessibility | Inclusive design and wheelchair access |
| Utilities | Lighting, power and Wi-Fi connectivity |
| Maintenance | Materials, warranties and lifecycle costs |
| Installation | Site preparation, delivery times and disruption |
What Is an Outdoor Classroom?
For this guide, an outdoor classroom is a purpose-designed learning space that enables structured teaching outside the traditional classroom.
Unlike temporary outdoor seating, modern outdoor classrooms are designed for regular curriculum delivery and may include:
- Covered teaching shelters
- Outdoor furniture
- Whiteboards or digital displays
- Secure storage
- Power supplies
- Accessible pathways
- Learning zones
- Weather protection
Many schools now use outdoor classrooms throughout the academic year rather than only during warmer months.
Research from Learning through Landscapes (https://ltl.org.uk/) highlights that well-designed outdoor learning environments can support engagement, physical activity and wider educational outcomes when integrated into everyday teaching.
Why Create an Outdoor Classroom?
Schools invest in outdoor learning spaces for a wide variety of reasons beyond simply creating additional teaching capacity.
An outdoor classroom can support:
- Curriculum enrichment
- Environmental education
- STEM learning
- Creative activities
- Wellbeing programmes
- SEND provision
- Group collaboration
- Flexible timetabling
The Department for Education also encourages schools to make effective use of their estates to support teaching, wellbeing and community engagement (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-education).
Education Insight
The most successful outdoor classrooms are planned around teaching objectives first, with the structure, furniture and equipment chosen to support how pupils and teachers will actually use the space.
Outdoor Classroom Ideas
There is no single model for successful outdoor learning.
Popular outdoor classroom ideas include:
- Forest school areas
- Outdoor science laboratories
- Reading gardens
- Amphitheatre seating
- Covered performance spaces
- Nature observation zones
- Outdoor dining and social spaces
- Flexible multi-use teaching shelters
Many schools also create spaces that serve several purposes throughout the day, maximising the return on investment.
When comparing suppliers, buyers should ask how easily spaces can be adapted as educational requirements change.
Shelters and Weather Protection
The shelter itself is often the largest investment.
Key considerations include:
- Timber or steel construction
- Open or enclosed sides
- Roof materials
- Drainage
- Wind protection
- Natural lighting
- Ventilation
- Planning requirements
Schools should consider how the structure will perform during winter months as well as warmer weather.
According to the Royal Horticultural Society’s school gardening guidance (https://schoolgardening.rhs.org.uk/), outdoor spaces that can be used throughout the year provide greater educational value than seasonal facilities.
Buyer Tip
Ask suppliers to provide examples of installations that have been operating successfully for several years. This provides a better indication of durability than product specifications alone.
Furniture for Outdoor Learning
Furniture plays a significant role in determining how flexible an outdoor classroom becomes.
Schools may require:
- Fixed benches
- Moveable seating
- Collaborative tables
- Teacher presentation areas
- Storage benches
- Dining furniture
- Accessible seating
- Multi-purpose furniture
Durability is particularly important where furniture will remain outdoors throughout the year.
Materials should be selected for their resistance to moisture, UV exposure and everyday school use.
Storage and Organisation
Outdoor learning often requires specialist equipment that must be stored securely between lessons.
Purpose-built storage may include:
- Lockable cabinets
- Resource cupboards
- Sports equipment storage
- Gardening tool storage
- Waterproof containers
- Mobile storage units
Easy access encourages teachers to use outdoor classrooms more frequently rather than treating them as occasional teaching spaces.
Surfacing and Accessibility
The surrounding environment is just as important as the structure itself.
Schools should compare:
- Resin-bound surfaces
- Rubber safety surfacing
- Timber decking
- Paving
- Gravel pathways
- Artificial grass
- Natural grass
- Drainage solutions
Accessibility should also remain central throughout the design process.
Outdoor classrooms should support pupils and staff with differing mobility requirements while providing safe access during all seasons.
Guidance from The Key for School Leaders (https://thekeysupport.com/) recommends considering accessibility alongside wider estate planning and inclusive learning environments.
How to Build an Outdoor Classroom
Schools planning how to build an outdoor classroom should begin by defining educational requirements before selecting products.
Typical project stages include:
- Identify teaching objectives.
- Assess available space.
- Review planning requirements.
- Specify shelters and furniture.
- Compare surfacing options.
- Plan storage requirements.
- Consider utilities and connectivity.
- Arrange installation.
- Train staff where appropriate.
- Review usage after completion.
Many suppliers offer complete design-and-build services that simplify procurement and project management.
When Is Outdoor Classroom Day?
Outdoor Classroom Day is an international campaign encouraging schools to spend more time learning and playing outdoors.
The event takes place twice each year and provides practical ideas for integrating outdoor learning into everyday education.
Schools can find teaching resources and participation information via the official Outdoor Classroom Day website (https://outdoorclassroomday.com/).
Many organisations use the event as an opportunity to launch new outdoor learning initiatives or evaluate how existing spaces are being used.
Questions to Ask Potential Suppliers
When comparing outdoor classroom providers, consider asking:
- Which age groups is the solution designed to support?
- What materials are used throughout the structure?
- How weather-resistant is the construction?
- What warranty is provided?
- Is planning permission likely to be required?
- Can furniture layouts be adapted over time?
- What storage options are available?
- Which surfacing materials do you recommend?
- How accessible is the completed installation?
- What maintenance is required?
- How long does installation typically take?
- Can the classroom be expanded in the future?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an outdoor classroom?
An outdoor classroom is a dedicated learning environment designed to support structured teaching outside traditional school buildings.
Why create an outdoor classroom?
Outdoor classrooms provide flexible teaching space while supporting wellbeing, curriculum enrichment and practical learning experiences.
How much maintenance do outdoor classrooms require?
Maintenance depends on the construction materials used, but buyers should compare warranties, servicing requirements and expected lifecycle costs before purchase.
Can outdoor classrooms be used all year?
Yes. Modern outdoor classrooms are designed for year-round use with appropriate shelter, surfacing and furniture.
Do outdoor classrooms require planning permission?
Requirements vary depending on the size, design and location of the installation. Schools should seek advice during the planning stage.
Related Reading
Continue exploring learning environments with these related articles from Education Briefing:
- Outdoor Learning Spaces Can Work – Even in the UK
- Creating Space Month: Embracing Hybrid Models and Collaborative Classrooms
- Play, Learn, Grow: Why Playgrounds Are Vital to Childhood Development
Product Guide
Schools attending the Education Forum can meet specialist suppliers offering products and services that support the design, construction and furnishing of outdoor learning environments.
Featured Suppliers
- 3BM Ltd – Education procurement and facilities specialists supporting schools with estates, compliance and capital improvement projects.
Website: www.3bm.co.uk - Brewers – Supplier of paints, coatings and specialist decorating products, with solutions suitable for educational environments and furniture refurbishment.
Website: www.brewers.co.uk - Britmet – Manufacturer of lightweight roofing systems suitable for educational buildings, outdoor structures and modular learning environments.
Website: https://www.britmet.co.uk/ - Grosvenor Contracts – Commercial furniture specialist providing education furniture for classrooms, libraries, dining areas and collaborative learning spaces.
Website: www.grosvenorcontracts.com - Hartland Group – Design, construction and fit-out specialists supporting education estates and learning environment projects.
Website: www.hartland-group.com - SICO Europe – Manufacturer of flexible education furniture including folding tables, seating and space-saving solutions for schools and colleges.
Website: https://www.sicoinc.com/en-gb/europe/
Explore Outdoor Classroom Solutions
Creating an effective outdoor classroom involves much more than installing a shelter. The best projects combine thoughtful design, durable materials and flexible furniture to create learning environments that support pupils throughout the year.
The Education Forum connects school business managers, estates professionals and education leaders with carefully selected suppliers specialising in buildings, furniture and learning environments through a programme of pre-arranged one-to-one meetings.
Explore outdoor classroom solutions, compare specialist suppliers and discover products that can help transform underused outdoor spaces into inspiring places to learn.
Sources
- Learning through Landscapes – https://ltl.org.uk/
- Department for Education – https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-education
- Royal Horticultural Society School Gardening – https://schoolgardening.rhs.org.uk/
- Outdoor Classroom Day – https://outdoorclassroomday.com/
- The Key for School Leaders – https://thekeysupport.com/
Image credit: https://unsplash.com/photos/three-green-yellow-and-red-leaves-on-persons-hand-DzgLAZXNFRo
