Can You Hear Me at the Back? Why Acoustics Are Failing Our Classrooms
In a time when schools and colleges are under constant pressure to meet both academic and wellbeing targets, it's remarkable how often one key factor is overlooked: acoustics.
Classroom acoustics influence everything from student concentration and teacher health to inclusivity for those with special educational needs (SEN). Yet, many UK educational buildings still fall short of minimum standards. Outdated design, hard surfaces, poor retrofitting, and a lack of awareness leave countless students struggling to hear—and be heard.
This blog explores how smart, affordable acoustic solutions from Presentation Spaces can transform school and college environments. We’ll also unpack the legislation that supports this shift, highlight funding opportunities, and offer practical guidance for creating learning spaces that support everyone.
The Hidden Cost of Noise in Schools
Research shows that high noise levels and excessive reverberation significantly affect learning outcomes. According to Building Bulletin 93 (BB93), classroom environments must meet defined standards for reverberation time and ambient noise to ensure clear speech intelligibility.
Yet too many schools—particularly those in older buildings—fail to meet these basic requirements.
- Reduced speech intelligibility: Students can’t hear instructions clearly, affecting comprehension and academic performance.
- Increased teacher vocal strain: Teachers raise their voices to compensate, leading to fatigue and long-term health problems.
- Behavioural disruption: Noise pollution contributes to agitation and distraction.
- Disadvantage for SEN pupils: Those with autism, ADHD, hearing impairments or auditory processing difficulties are hit hardest.
As BB93 makes clear: “For effective teaching and learning, particularly for children with special educational needs, good acoustic conditions are essential.”
Inclusive Design: Meeting Legal and Moral Obligations
- The Equality Act 2010: Schools must make reasonable adjustments for disabled pupils, including those with sensory or communication challenges.
- The SEND Code of Practice: Emphasises the need for learning environments that enable equal access.
- DDA Compliance: Acoustics play a key role in ensuring disability access obligations are met.
Bottom line: If your classrooms echo, your corridors clatter, or your hall reverberates—your school may not only be failing its students but falling short of legal standards.
What Acoustic Solutions Can Do
At Presentation Spaces, we’ve worked with schools across the UK to install affordable, high-performance acoustic treatments in a wide range of spaces. Our solutions are designed to be practical, aesthetic, and compliant.
- Improved concentration
- Enhanced communication
- Inclusive learning for SEN pupils
- Reduced teacher stress and vocal strain
- Stylish finishes in multiple colour options
Explore our full range of acoustic panels →
Where Acoustic Treatments Make the Biggest Impact
- Classrooms: Acoustic Wall Panels reduce reverberation and improve speech clarity.
- Libraries: Slimline panels preserve quiet zones while maintaining a clean aesthetic.
- Halls & Lecture Theatres: Ceiling baffles and wall treatments reduce echo in large rooms.
- Cafeterias & Corridors: Reduce general noise and create calmer transitions.
- SEN Bases: Tailored treatments for auditory-sensitive learners.
See all spaces and product types →
What Does the Research Say?
- DfES research confirms poor acoustics directly impact learning.
- NDCS research shows that background noise can cut speech understanding by 50%.
- University of Salford study found up to 25% improvement in reading and spelling in optimised spaces.
Funding and Practical Steps
You don’t need to overhaul your entire school to make a difference. Start with your most problematic areas and expand as funding allows.
- Condition Improvement Fund (CIF)
- School Condition Allocations (SCA)
- Access to Education Fund (Wales)
- Local Authority Capital Funds
Need help planning your upgrade? Contact us →
Don’t Let Bad Acoustics Be Your Blind Spot
While schools race to adopt new technologies, the fundamentals still matter. A room that echoes, distracts or overwhelms isn’t a 21st-century classroom—it’s a barrier to success.
If your school values inclusion, wellbeing, and progress, it starts with the environment—and with the air your lessons travel through.
Let’s Create Smarter Spaces Together...
Presentation Spaces offers practical, design-led acoustic solutions tailored for UK schools and colleges.
- Free site assessments
- Support with BB93 compliance
- SEN-friendly acoustic design
- Flexible, phased rollout plans
📧 info@presentationspaces.co.uk
📞 01382 914914
