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Merchant Taylors’ Prep – Bespoke Outdoor Shading & Classroom Cooling Solutions

Creating Flexible, Safe Learning Spaces for Pupils

Merchant Taylors’ Prep School in Northwood, Hertfordshire wanted to enhance its outdoor learning environment while addressing classroom cooling and solar glare issues. The school’s goal was to provide safe, shaded outdoor spaces that could be used year-round for lessons, recreation, and staff supervision - supporting both student wellbeing and the school’s duty of care obligations.

The Challenge

Existing playgrounds and outdoor learning areas were exposed to direct sunlight, limiting usage and causing overheating in adjacent classrooms.
Indoor classrooms experienced solar gain and glare, affecting focus and comfort for pupils.
Any new shading solution needed to be robust, visually appealing, and low-maintenance to comply with school health and safety standards.
The school wanted guidance on grant funding options available for outdoor learning and climate-resilient facilities.

The Solution

Our team provided a full service, from free site survey and design advice to installation and aftercare, delivering a bespoke shading solution for the school:

Installed retractable and fixed awning systems to cover key outdoor areas and create flexible teaching zones.
Designed a durable aluminium frame system with powder-coated finish for long-term performance.
Integrated UV-resistant, waterproof fabrics for outdoor protection and glare reduction.
Added optional side screens to extend usability during adverse weather conditions.
Assisted the school in identifying grant funding opportunities to support the investment and ensure cost-effectiveness.

The Results

Created safe, shaded outdoor spaces now actively used for lessons, lunch breaks, and outdoor activities, increasing teaching flexibility.
Reduced classroom solar gain, improving comfort and concentration.
Enhanced pupil wellbeing and safety, fulfilling the school’s duty of care responsibilities.
Maximised the school’s investment through guidance on available grants for educational shading solutions, helping the school deliver sustainable improvements without overextending the budget.

“The new awnings over the decked play area look great! The shade is a wonderful addition to this area and the children can now enjoy an extended outdoor play area and cooler classrooms. At school we have a responsibility to ensure that the children are protected from the harmful effects of the sun, so providing sufficient shade for the outdoor spaces in schools is very important. The Broadview awnings are a welcome addition to the school.”
- Headteacher at Merchant Taylor’s Prep

Why School Shading Solutions Matter

Educational institutions across Southern England face similar challenges: rising classroom temperatures, limited outdoor shade, and increasing expectations around pupil wellbeing. Professional shading solutions help schools:

Comply with health and safety and duty of care obligations
Access grant funding for outdoor learning and shading
Provide versatile, safe, and comfortable outdoor classrooms
Reduce energy use by lowering indoor heat gain

Turnkey Service for Schools

Here at Broadview, we deliver end-to-end solutions tailored to schools:

Free consultation and site survey
Bespoke design for pergolas, awnings, canopies, shelters and internal blinds
Professional installation, including groundworks if required
Full aftercare and maintenance

Our shading solutions ensure schools can create cooler, safer, and more flexible learning environments while taking advantage of funding opportunities and protecting student wellbeing.

Contact us today to book a free consultation and explore how your school can benefit from expert shading solutions, outdoor learning shelters, and classroom cooling systems.

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If you'd like a member of our team to give you a call to talk through your requirements just contact us and we'll be in touch as soon as possible.

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