Practical science is at its best when students can safely light burners, set up experiments and handle real chemicals - not just watch from the back of the room. But with gas, electricity, corrosive substances and heat all in one space, school laboratories must be designed and run with safety at their core. In the UK, CLEAPSS is widely regarded as the gold standard for safe practical science. For schools designing or refurbishing science labs, prep rooms and chemical stores,

As more schools and multi-academy trusts invest in modernising their science laboratories, D&T workshops and food technology rooms, one question consistently shapes early planning conversations: Table of Contents How does CLEAPSS impact the design, refurbishment and safe use of these spaces? What Is CLEAPSS? Why CLEAPSS Matters to UK Schools Supporting UK Health & Safety Requirements Supporting a Practical-Rich Curriculum Avoiding Expensive Design Errors CLEAPSS and Science

Science education is at the heart of the UK’s STEM ambitions. Yet many secondary schools are trying to deliver modern science lessons in labs that are decades old often designed for curricula and class sizes that no longer apply.

A modern school science lab must be more than a functional classroom. It is a space where pupils can investigate, collaborate, and apply...