×
top of page

Fire Safety in Schools: What Refurbishment Must Get Right in 2025

  • Rob Main
  • Oct 24
  • 3 min read

According to UK Home Office data, there were over 500 fires in education buildings in 2023—with 65% occurring during school hours.



Fire Safety: The Compliance Issue Schools Can’t Afford to Ignore


While education leaders often focus on curriculum, funding and wellbeing, fire safety remains a critical and legally binding priority—especially during refurbishment and fit-out projects.


Following the Grenfell Inquiry, enforcement of the Building Safety Act has intensified, with 2025 bringing even stricter expectations on fire strategies, materials, and contractor compliance. Whether you’re upgrading a lab, washroom or classroom, every material, fitting and fire escape route matters.


And with many school buildings now ageing and being retrofitted, refurbishment is a key opportunity to align with safety standards—and reduce risk long-term.


Refurbished school corridor with fire-safe materials and clear exits

What’s Changed in Fire Safety Compliance?


In recent years, safety requirements across all public buildings have tightened, with schools under growing scrutiny. Key updates now include:

  • Use of non-combustible materials (e.g. solid-grade laminate, mineral surfaces)

  • Clearly marked and obstruction-free escape routes

  • Installation of certified fire doors, ceilings and fire-compartmentation measures

  • Highly visible and accessible alarms, extinguishers and signage

  • Layouts that support efficient evacuation through windows and corridors

  • Fire strategy documentation and contractor-level compliance reporting


The Building Safety Act 2022, Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, and updated BB100 guidance place far greater responsibility on duty holders—including school leaders and contractors.



Why Refurbishment Is a Key Fire Safety Opportunity


While fire safety is a statutory requirement, refurbishment is the perfect moment to go beyond minimum compliance—without the need for disruptive structural overhauls.

A safety-focused fit-out can:

  • Replace combustible or outdated materials

  • Reconfigure layouts for safer, faster evacuation

  • Ensure fire alarms are clearly visible and accessible

  • Add fire-stopping and compartmentalisation to key junctions

  • Install durable surfaces that resist arson and accidental fire


You’re not just meeting regulations—you’re reducing long-term risk, easing inspection stress, and creating a more focused, secure learning environment.



The Hidden Fire Risks in Schools


Many risks build up over time, especially in older schools or those with inconsistent fit-out practices. Common fire hazards include:

  • Furniture blocking exits or escape windows

  • Fabric canopies and displays near lighting or heaters

  • Non-compliant wall linings or ceiling panels

  • Fire doors that are propped open or poorly maintained

  • Refurbishments carried out with no updated fire risk assessment

  • Storage areas spilling into evacuation routes

Without a proactive refurbishment strategy, these issues compound over time.



Brookhouse: Built-In Compliance on Every Project


At Brookhouse, we treat fire safety as a design principle—not a technical afterthought. Our refurbishment and fit-out services are tailored to ensure compliance from first sketch to final fix.


We support schools with:


  • Fire-resistant surfaces and solid-grade laminate in wet areas and classrooms

  • Certified fire doors and installation by trained teams

  • Layouts that maintain protected escape routes and door widths

  • Detailed documentation, fire strategies and specs for inspectors

  • Fully verified installation—no gaps, no guesswork

Whether it’s a science lab, food tech space, teaching wall or washroom, we ensure your project is aligned with fire safety law and educational best practice.


Final Thought: Fire safety isn’t just about ticking a box—it’s a duty of care. With tighter regulations ahead, 2025 refurbishments must get it right.

If you’re planning improvements, let Brookhouse help you build smarter, safer spaces with full compliance built in from day one.


Ready to put your funding to work?


Get in touch with Brookhouse on 0345 383 0050, or email us on inspire@brookhouseuk.com


Let’s design a space that enables success.





Comments

The Smarter, Safer Way to Deliver Your Project

One Team. One Timeline.

No need to chase multiple trades. We handle everything from planning to delivery — keeping you informed and in control.

Built on Insight. Delivered with Precision.

We use Revit design, 3D scans and full site surveys to plan for every detail — avoiding rework and reducing costly site changes later.

Clear Communication. Zero Confusion.

With a single point of contact, we strive to ensure that nothing gets lost in translation. You’ll always know what’s happening and what to expect next.

Fewer Hiccups. Faster Completion.

Our in-house design and manufacturing means fewer handovers, less risk, and quicker results: with spaces that work right from day one.

One Supplier. Fewer Delays. Better Outcomes.

One Expert Partner

Avoid fragmented supply chains and costly delays. With Brookhouse, you get one accountable team – design, manufacture & installation, all under one roof.

End-to-End Project Control

From initial survey to final snagging, we manage every step. That means fewer surprises, better coordination, and a space delivered exactly as promised.

Specialist Knowledge, Smarter Outcomes

50 years in education and commercial interiors means we anticipate issues before they arise – creating safer, more compliant, and more inspiring spaces.

Designed for Longevity

We don’t just install — we build for the future. Durable finishes, future-proof layouts and technical compliance mean your investment performs for years to come.

bottom of page