×
top of page

Smarter Spending: Tackling the School Refurbishment Backlog by Prioritising Upgrades Over Rebuilds

  • Rob Main
  • Oct 30
  • 2 min read

According to the National Audit Office, more than 80% of schools applying for capital improvement funding in 2024 were unsuccessful due to limited DfE resources.



Big Dreams, Tight Budgets


Schools across the UK are facing a brutal financial reality. Capital budgets are tighter than ever. Rebuilding costs are rising. And with over £11.4bn in maintenance backlogs already logged, there’s simply not enough funding to go around.


Yet the need for better learning environments hasn’t gone away. Many school buildings are outdated, inefficient, or failing. So how do you improve them, without going broke?


The answer: strategic refurbishment, not full rebuilds.


Old school building in need of urgent repair and refurbishment

The Rebuild vs. Refurbish Dilemma


A full rebuild sounds like a dream solution, but the reality is far less practical:


  • High upfront costs

  • Planning and regulatory delays

  • Long construction timelines

  • Major disruption to school life

  • Often off-limits due to budget constraints


In contrast, refurbishment offers speed, flexibility, and affordability without compromising on quality or impact.



What Refurbishment Can Achieve (That You Might Not Expect)


Modern refurbishments are about more than paint and patch-ups. With the right partner, you can:


  • Rethink layouts to support modern pedagogy

  • Integrate modular furniture, storage and tech

  • Upgrade hygiene and ventilation

  • Embed sustainability features (e.g. LED, SGL, low-VOC materials)

  • Boost staff and student wellbeing with better acoustics and lighting

  • Enhance safeguarding and SEND accessibility


In other words: you don’t need to demolish a building to radically improve how it feels and functions.



The Financial Case for Refurbishment


 Let’s break it down:


  • A new school build averages £3,000–£4,000 per m²

  • A high-spec refurbishment can cost 30–50% less

  • It can be phased over time, spreading investment

  • No need to move pupils offsite—avoiding additional costs

  • Reduced downtime means quicker ROI on upgrades


With budget pressures mounting, refurb is simply the more realistic route for most schools.



Don’t Let “Budget” Be a Barrier to Progress


Too often, schools feel stuck, like they can’t justify improvements unless they can afford a full transformation. But that mindset leads to stagnation. Smart, phased refurbishments can:


  • Improve staff retention

  • Enhance Ofsted outcomes

  • Support wellbeing and inclusion

  • Reduce long-term maintenance costs


It’s not about cutting corners, it’s about making every pound work harder.



How Brookhouse Makes Refurbishment Work for You


Brookhouse specialises in high-impact, low-disruption refurbishments across the education sector. Whether you need to improve a single department or overhaul an entire block, we deliver solutions that are:


  • Durable, modular and scalable

  • Designed around curriculum needs

  • Manufactured in-house for quality and cost control

  • Installed term-time or holidays with minimal disruption

  • Fully compliant with DfE, SEND, and safeguarding standards


From teaching walls to washrooms, ICT suites to breakout zones, we’ll help you transform what you already have into something built for the future.



Final Thought In 2025, the smartest school refurbishment backlog won’t be the ones with the biggest budgets. They’ll be the ones who know how to stretch them, with creativity, clarity, and the right refurbishment partner.


If you're ready to get more from your space, without starting from scratch, Brookhouse is here to help.


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