School estates leaders attending the Education Forum are under pressure to make every square metre work harder. Rising pupil numbers in some areas, tightening budgets and increasing expectations around community engagement are forcing a rethink of how campus space is used. More schools are exploring shared estates models, such as partnering with health providers, local authorities and community organisations, to maximise utilisation and unlock additional value from existing facilities...
Co-location as a strategic solution
Co-location is gaining traction, particularly in areas where public services are under strain. Schools are increasingly hosting:
- School-based health clinics or mental health services
- Local authority family support teams
- Early years provision
- Community learning programmes
For education procurement and estates professionals, co-location can provide financial resilience through shared costs, rental income or capital contribution, while improving local service access for families.
However, successful co-location requires clear delineation of responsibility. Shared spaces must meet safeguarding requirements, and access arrangements must protect pupils during the school day.
Out-of-hours community use
Many schools already open sports halls, theatres and classrooms beyond the school day. This is becoming more structured and commercially managed.
Sports facilities, performance spaces and meeting rooms are increasingly operated under formal agreements, either directly by schools, via academy trust central teams, or through third-party leisure operators. When managed well, out-of-hours use can:
- Generate additional revenue
- Improve asset utilisation
- Strengthen community relationships
- Support health and wellbeing initiatives
The key challenge lies in balancing income generation with wear and tear, cleaning costs and security risk.
Governance and risk management
Shared estate models introduce complexity. Governance frameworks must address:
- Safeguarding boundaries and supervision
- Insurance and liability
- Maintenance responsibilities
- Access control and security
- Scheduling and booking management
Forward thinking schools are formalising governance through clear service-level agreements, defined escalation routes and transparent financial models. Estates and procurement teams play a central role in ensuring contracts protect the school’s operational integrity.
Designing for flexibility
Where capital investment is available, schools are increasingly designing or refurbishing spaces with dual use in mind. Flexible layouts, independent access points and zoning allow facilities to operate separately from core teaching areas.
This design-led approach reduces operational friction and supports long-term adaptability.
A strategic asset, not just a building
School estates are no longer viewed solely as education infrastructure. They are community assets with the potential to support wider public service delivery.
Schools that embrace structured partnerships and clear governance models will be best positioned to maximise space, generate value and strengthen their role at the heart of the community, without compromising safety or educational focus.
Are you looking for space creating (or saving!) solutions for your institution? The Education Forum can help!
Photo by John Mosquera on Unsplash
