An architect-led guide for schools, academies, and responsible bodies

Planning for the future of an education estate increasingly depends on understanding how existing buildings and spaces are performing. Whether pupil numbers are rising, falling, or shifting in character, a clear picture of current space use is essential before committing to major investment.

A Space Performance Assessment is an architect-designed review of an education estate’s buildings and external spaces, assessed against current Department for Education guidance and the requirements of modern teaching and learning. It uses BB103 and BB104 as a framework to review whether an estate has appropriate building sizes for current and future capacity, while also considering broader strategic factors - including curriculum layout, building condition, energy efficiency targets, and community use requirements.

In this eBook, S2e’s architecture team explains what a Space Performance Assessment involves, the eight key scenarios in which it adds value, and how it supports schools and responsible bodies in making evidence-based decisions ahead of feasibility studies, funding discussions, and long-term estate planning.

The assessment sits ahead of a feasibility study - providing responsible bodies with a clear picture of their estate before design briefs are written and investment decisions are made.

We hope you find it useful, however if you need any further support please do not hesitate to contact us on 0116 5070130 or email on enquire@s2e.org.uk.

If you would like to download the eBook, please fill in your details below: