Enhancing Safety & Learning Spaces at St. Mark’s C.E. Primary School
Nestled in woodland on the Bournemouth-Poole border, St. Mark’s Church of England Primary School serves 420 pupils. The school benefits from spacious play areas, outdoor learning spaces, and modern facilities such as a library, ICT suite, music room, and heated indoor swimming pool. Supported by the Talbot Village Trust, the school upholds a legacy of community service and education dating back to the 19th century.
The Challenge: Improving School Safety & Organisation
Cluttered corridors and classrooms overflowing with coats, bags, scarves, and lunch boxes created safety risks and hindered organisation. The trip hazards and restricted fire exits raised significant health and fire safety concerns. Additionally, staff time was increasingly consumed by tidying efforts. After consulting with other local schools, St. Mark’s recognised the benefits of replacing traditional coat pegs with lockers to enhance safety and optimise space.
The Solution: Customised Lockers for Schools
Working with LinkLockers, the school implemented a tailored locker solution to improve organisation and safety. Initially, 120 lockers were installed for Years 5 and 6 in corridors outside classrooms, providing secure and colourful storage for pupils’ belongings while eliminating hazards. Students embraced the lockers, decorating them with posters, pictures, and personalised name cards, fostering pride and responsibility.
Encouraged by the success, lockers were rolled out across the school. Different designs were used to distinguish between age groups: pastel shades for younger pupils and bold, primary colours for older students. Some lockers were even incorporated into classrooms, creating visually appealing and functional learning environments.
Key Features of the Lockers
- Configurations: Half-height, two-door lockers for easy access, with pastel finishes for younger children and vibrant colours for older pupils.
- Security: Oval hasp and staple locks keep doors securely closed without requiring keys.
- Ventilation and Hygiene: Perforated doors for airflow and ActiveCoat® antimicrobial finish to reduce bacterial risks in high-traffic areas.
The Results: A Safer, Tidier & More Engaging School Environment
The lockers transformed the school’s corridors and classrooms, creating safer and more organised spaces. Fire safety and accessibility were significantly improved, while staff time previously spent on tidying was reclaimed. The lockers also became a source of pride and ownership for pupils, with parents and staff praising the initiative.
The school has since become a model for others, with headteachers from nearby schools visiting St. Mark’s to learn from its success.
Testimonial
“We are delighted with the end result. The lockers are entirely suitable for our requirements, and they have gone down very well with both our children and parents alike. The lockers have tidied up the school, and all areas are finally looking much better.”
— Mrs Caroline Burn, Headteacher
Why Choose our School Lockers?
As the UK’s leading manufacturer of storage solutions, Whittan offers innovative, durable, and hygienic lockers designed to meet the needs of schools and educational facilities. LinkLockers, a trusted Whittan brand, provides bespoke solutions that enhance organisation, safety, and functionality, making them the ideal choice for schools like St. Mark’s.