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Shelving in a room

Shelving for Schools: Our Guide


October 2024

Clutter in the classroom is a common daily challenge for teachers and support staff. Durable shelving can help keep learning spaces organised.

In schools, the right storage solutions play a crucial role in keeping classrooms, libraries, and communal areas tidy. Shelving is a popular choice, but how do you choose the right option?

Here at BOYCO, with over 60 years of expertise supporting contractors, architects, and education projects across the UK, we want to offer a friendly helping hand in selecting the best shelving for schools…

 

Wall Fixed Shelving

Simple and practical, wall-fixed shelving maximises floor space in busy classrooms and corridors. Securely mounted, it uses space that otherwise could potentially be wasted and has a wall to help support the weight of items.

Lifting the storage solution from the floor allows it to be set at any height. Here at BOYCO, we often recommend having them above sink areas or worktops. This allows quick access to items such as everyday supplies or learning tools, saving time and supports with keeping clutter out of the way. A great example of this is our project at Millside Spencer Academy, where we installed wall-fixed shelving in unused corridor spaces and above resource areas.

shelves at the end of a corridor

Freestanding Shelving

Versatile in a learning space, freestanding shelving is great for larger storage areas. A popular choice that we commonly see in projects, we find that this type of shelving works well in the centre of the room. This uses space which otherwise would be wasted and allows for easy access from both sides of the shelving.

BOYCO’s freestanding shelving is floor fixed, which adds stability. This increases safety and durability, a top priority for schools, as it’s securely anchored to the ground and unable to tip. This makes it ideal for busy school environments where learning equipment is put away and taken out daily.

freestanding shelving with four shelves in front of a door

Mobile Racking Systems

Although classed differently from shelving, mobile racking systems are becoming more widely used) in schools and higher education classrooms. Specifically in laboratories, where heavy equipment such as microscopes are used by students daily, we have seen mobile racking systems being used to move these items in and out of storage spaces with little effort. A great example of this is BOYCO’s transformation project at The Graham Kerr Building, where we installed mobile racking systems within cupboards for ease of laboratory equipment movement. It also positively contributes towards Glasgow University’s health and safety practices, as students and professors don’t have to strain when lifting heavy items to the worktops. Due to this, this type of storage is a fantastic addition to any education project.

two microscopes sit on top of a mobile racking system in a room

Built-in Shelving

Built-in shelving offers ultimate customisation for your classrooms. A modern and bespoke permanent fixture, it seamlessly blends into a learning space and is perfect for housing stationery and textbooks.

Durable enough to withstand the daily wear and tear of daily school life, built-in shelving can be designed to suit the specific needs of your project or clients. BOYCO’s own are commonly integrated with our teacher walls, placed either to the side of a whiteboard or behind lockable cupboard doors. Teachers can then securely store away items, whilst also being able to quickly access learning resources during lessons – enhancing efficiency and supporting teaching practices.

intergrated shelves in a teacher wall within a classroom

Adjustable Shelving

Offering maximum flexibility and easy modification, adjustable shelving is ideal for the evolving needs of schools. Unlike traditional fixed shelving, it offers the option for it to be reconfigured to adapt to the classroom requirements.

Spacing between the shelves can be customised, making it able to accommodate a range of items such as wider shelf space for extra monitors in IT suites. BOYCO’s adjustable shelving for schools is also wall fixed, providing the same great benefits as our other secure options, such having weight baring strength to support a range of items. This durability was proven in one of our own projects at Kendal College’s newly constructed T-Level block, which now houses heavy building tools and equipment.

adjustable shelving units in a corner room

BOYCO Shelving for Schools

Selecting the right shelving for your school goes beyond ‘type’; you should also take into account the materials that are used to build the structure. Tried and trusted by contractors and architects across the UK, our shelving is manufactured right here in our Greater Manchester factory.

Hot Dip Nylon

Our commitment to providing a ‘Built to Last’ solution for schools has pushed us to being pioneers in new tools and technologies for our fixed furniture solutions. For our shelving structure, we use a steel frame coated in our ‘Hot Dip’ Nylon coating. Four times thicker than powder coated alternatives, it provides unmatched abrasion resistance – perfect for protecting against scrapes and scratches, even in a busy classroom!

This coating also boasts anti-microbial protection, where 99% of all known bacteria can’t survive on its surface. This is a fantastic addition to a high touch point area such as classroom storage – supporting the education environment’s health and safety practices.

‘Hot Dip’ Nylon Coating 

Solid Shelving

In addition to the steel frame, the shelf itself contributes towards its long lasting durability. BOYCO’s solid shelves are made from premium laminated MDF with a matching or contrasting colour 2mm PVC edging. Moisture resistant and easy clean, it protects against staining from spills and other accidents. Using this material also allows for bespoke shaping and cutting, enabling us to tailor the shelving to suit your school’s needs.

Slatted Shelving

Alternatively, we also offer slatted shelving made from our FSC and PEFC certified American Ash wood. Sustainably sourced, this timber is twice coated in our anti-microbial lacquer, which complements the unparalleled hygiene benefits of our ‘Hot Dip’ Nylon coating.

Need further information on shelving for schools? Our friendly team is happy to offer our advice and guidance here.

 

When planning storage space for your next education project, durable shelving for schools is a fantastic choice. From nursery to university, not only does it reduce classroom clutter and support teachers and students in keeping an organised and safe environment, but with BOYCO’s own bespoke options, and manufacturing technology, it’s a long-lasting solution which utilises the learning environment space as much as possible.

 

Explore additional storage options with BOYCO’s guide on School Lockers.

 

Looking for more FF&E solutions? Discover our full range of education furniture here.


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