Designing school washrooms is not just about ensuring functionality. A well-planned washroom contributes to student health, behaviour, and safety. At Dunhams, we specialise in designing and installing high-quality washroom facilities for educational environments. Whether for early years or teenagers, the design must reflect the specific needs of students at different stages.
So what are the differences in primary vs secondary school washroom design and how can schools ensure they have safe, durable, and hygienic toilet facilities for schools?
Why Age Matters in School Washroom Design
Primary School Washroom Design
Washrooms in primary schools need to accommodate younger children’s physical size and developmental needs. Key design features include:
- Child-height toilets and basins for safe, easy use
- Appropriate colours and playful designs to create a welcoming environment
- Low-height cubicles for staff supervision while respecting privacy
- Easy-to-use fixtures such as lever taps or push-button flushes
These design elements help younger children feel confident and comfortable using toilet facilities independently.
Our Kinder cubicles and Junior Cubicles are perfect for early years settings and primary schools. With over 30 different colour options available including our Grafix range of prints, you can choose the colours that work best for your environment.
Secondary School Toilet Facilities
Secondary school students require more privacy and robust fixtures. As pupils grow older, their expectations for hygiene and dignity increase. Important features include:
- Full-height cubicles to ensure privacy
- Neutral colour schemes to reflect a more mature space
- Durable materials to resist high usage and potential vandalism
Our Challenger and Altitude cubicles are the most popular in secondary schools, providing extra privacy and fully customisable to fit your schools specific needs.
Privacy and Safeguarding in School Toilet Design
Designing for safety and safeguarding is critical in both primary and secondary settings but must be handled differently.
- In primary schools, open layouts and proximity to classrooms allow teachers to monitor use discreetly.
- In secondary schools, safeguarding is enhanced with features like open communal sink areas, individual enclosed cubicles, and clear sightlines that discourage loitering or anti-social behaviour.
Schools are increasingly requesting unisex toilet layouts in secondary settings to support inclusion and reduce bullying.
Materials and Durability: Built to Last
Washroom refurbishment projects in schools must prioritise materials that withstand daily use.
- Primary school washrooms can use lower-impact materials, though still resistant to moisture and damage.
- Secondary school washrooms benefit from impact-resistant panels, solid surface countertops, and compact grade laminate, which offer long-term durability and are easy to maintain.
We would advise using Solid Grade Laminate in all educational facilities. The core is completely solid and waterproof, making it ideal for high-traffic, high-moisture environments such as schools. Our SGL products also come with a 15 year warranty guaranteeing a washroom that will stand the test of time.
Accessibility and Inclusive Washroom Design
Inclusive toilet facilities are a legal and moral responsibility.
- All schools should provide DDA-compliant accessible toilets.
- Primary schools may need changing facilities for pupils with additional support needs.
- Secondary schools often include gender-neutral toilets and dedicated accessible cubicles within the main washroom layout.
Promoting Hygiene Through Smart Washroom Features
Good hygiene habits start with smart design. To encourage cleanliness and reduce maintenance issues:
- Install sensor taps, hands-free flush systems, and automatic hand dryers
- Use easy-clean wall cladding and flooring to speed up daily maintenance
- Design open-plan sink areas to make handwashing visible and encouraged
Behavioural Impact of Washroom Layout and Design
The design and atmosphere of school toilets influence student behaviour. Research shows that poorly designed facilities can contribute to absenteeism or reluctance to use the washroom during school hours.
- In primary schools, friendly and colourful environments encourage positive habits.
- In secondary schools, modern, minimalistic designs with privacy-focused features promote responsible use and reduce incidents of vandalism or bullying.
Take a look at our education washroom case studies to see our work in action.
Planning Your School Washroom Refurbishment
Whether you’re planning a new school build or a washroom refurbishment, Dunhams provides expert support from concept to completion. We help education providers:
- Design to meet building regulations and safeguarding guidance
- Select durable, water-saving fixtures
- Incorporate student-friendly features
- Deliver on time with minimal disruption to the school day
Contact Dunhams Today
Are you planning a school washroom refurbishment or looking to upgrade outdated toilet facilities?
Dunhams has over 50 years of experience in designing tailored washroom solutions for primary and secondary schools.
📞 Get in touch with our expert team to discuss your project today.
