Choosing the best school lockers for today's learning environment

Choosing school lockers might seem straightforward, but there's more to consider than you might think. Changing mobile phone policies, safeguarding requirements and the different ways schools use their spaces all have an impact on what needs to be specified.

Why are schools investing in lockers right now?

Schools have several reasons to review their storage facilities, from changing mobile phone policies to making better use of shared spaces.

Mobile phone policies have moved from guidance to a statutory expectation. Under the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026, schools must have regard to the Department for Education's statutory guidance, which schools were expected to follow from September 2026. The guidance states that schools should be mobile phone-free by default, with secure storage, including lockers, being one way to manage phones during the school day.

Corridor congestion is another consideration, particularly during lesson changes. Poorly positioned lockers can create bottlenecks, making it harder for students to move around safely. Bags left in corridors can also create trip hazards.

Different storage needs are also important. A primary school will have different requirements from a large secondary school, while changing rooms, corridors and shared learning spaces all need different types of storage.

Understanding how each space is used will help schools specify the most suitable lockers.

Are mobile phone policies changing how schools use lockers?

Some schools use lockers to store mobile phones during the school day, allowing pupils to bring their phones to school without having access to them during lessons or breaks. The right approach will depend on the school's mobile phone policy and wider storage requirements, including bags, coats, books and PE equipment.

How can lockers reduce corridor congestion?

Where lockers are positioned can make a big difference to congestion in busy school corridors.

• Locker positioning. Positioning lockers away from the main flow of students can help prevent queues forming across busy corridors.
• Locker configuration. Full-height lockers provide space for bags and coats, while multi-door lockers offer more individual compartments in the same amount of space.
• Door clearance. Consider how far locker doors open and whether they could obstruct the walkway when students are using them.
• Grouping by year group. Placing smaller groups of lockers in different locations can help spread student traffic and reduce congestion.

Not every school locker should be the same

Corridors, changing rooms and libraries all have different storage requirements, so it's important to consider how lockers will be used in each space.

Corridors and communal areas see the heaviest footfall and widest mix of contents, so durability and a simple locking mechanism top the list of requirements.

PE and sports storage has its own requirements. Changing rooms need lockers that can withstand moisture, heavy use and frequent cleaning, making durable, water-resistant materials such as Solid Grade Laminate (SGL) particularly suitable.

Libraries and shared learning spaces might need lockers for laptops, tablets and books. Lockers with smaller compartments can work well in these areas.

Can lockers help student wellbeing?

Providing a secure place where students can store their belongings helps provide peace of mind. For a student who already finds parts of the day harder to navigate, removing this source of anxiety is genuinely helpful. Secure storage also cuts down on lost belongings. A missing coat or PE kit can derail a student's afternoon.

Clutter-free corridors are easier to supervise, and secure storage can help schools manage personal belongings in line with their policies.

What should schools look for when specifying lockers?

Once you know what each space needs, there are five key things to consider when specifying lockers.

Material.

School lockers need to withstand daily wear and tear, particularly in busy corridors and changing rooms. The choice of material will depend on the environment. Solid Grade Laminate (SGL) is durable and water-resistant, making it suitable for both wet and dry areas.

Locks.

Venesta offers a choice of cam, hasp, coin-operated, digital and RFID locks. RFID locks are becoming increasingly popular, particularly where lockers are used by different people throughout the day. They make it easier to manage access without the need for keys.

Size, configuration and accessibility.

Locker size and configuration will depend on what students need to store and how much space is available. Under the Equality Act 2010, schools must make reasonable adjustments for disabled pupils. Locker height and accessibility should therefore be considered when planning the layout.

Colour and wayfinding.

Using different colours for year groups or areas can help students find their lockers more easily.

Durability, sustainability and maintenance.

Durable materials such as SGL can withstand heavy use with minimal upkeep, helping to extend the life of the installation and reduce the need for replacement. Venesta's lockers come with a 10-year guarantee, giving schools confidence in their long-term investment.

Getting the specification right

Venesta offers a range of durable SGL lockers, with a choice of configurations, locking systems and finishes to suit different school environments.

Our Specification Managers can help you find the right solution for your project. Get in touch with your local Specification Manager to discuss your requirements and explore the options available.