School Lockers and Cloakroom Storage: A Buying Guide for SBMs

Why does cloakroom storage matter in schools?

Storage is rarely the first thing schools think about when planning learning environments. However, poor storage often creates problems that affect the entire school day.

Overflowing cloakrooms, bags left in corridors and crowded classroom entrances can quickly become operational challenges. They create trip hazards, increase lost property and make spaces feel disorganised.

Across the schools supported by GLS, storage reviews are often prompted by practical frustrations rather than major refurbishment projects. Staff spend time locating lost items. Corridors become congested. Pupils struggle to manage belongings independently.

Effective storage helps remove these everyday pressures. The result is a calmer, more organised environment for both staff and pupils.

What should schools store in lockers and cloakrooms?

Storage requirements vary significantly between schools. Primary schools typically need space for:

• Coats
• Bags
• Lunch boxes
• Water bottles
• PE kits
• Wellington boots
• Seasonal clothing

Many schools also require designated storage for staff belongings, visitor equipment, intervention resources, and shared classroom materials.

One lesson GLS frequently shares with School Business Managers is that storage should be planned around how spaces are actually used rather than how they appear on floor plans. Understanding daily routines often reveals opportunities to improve organisation without increasing the overall storage footprint.

Should schools choose lockers or open cloakroom storage?

Both options have advantages. Open cloakroom systems are particularly popular in primary schools because they encourage independence and allow younger children to access belongings easily. They also make it easier for staff to supervise storage areas and support pupils when needed.

Lockers are often more appropriate where schools need:

• Greater security
• Dedicated personal storage
• Protection for valuable items
• Reduced visual clutter

Many schools adopt a blended approach. Open cloakroom storage may be used in EYFS and Key Stage 1, while lockers become more common as pupils move through the school.

Across many projects supported by GLS, the most effective solution is rarely choosing one or the other. It is selecting the right storage type for the age group and environment.

What should School Business Managers consider before buying lockers?

The most successful storage projects begin with a simple question: What problem are we trying to solve?

Schools often focus on dimensions and capacity first. While important, these are only part of the decision. Other considerations include:

• Available space
• Pupil age range
• Cleaning and maintenance requirements
• Accessibility needs
• Future pupil numbers
• Safeguarding considerations
• Durability expectations

One challenge GLS regularly encounters is schools purchasing storage based on current needs without considering future growth. Storage systems often remain in place for many years, making long-term planning particularly important.

How important is durability when choosing school storage?

Very important. Unlike some classroom resources, lockers and cloakroom furniture are expected to withstand daily use for many years. Doors are opened repeatedly, bags are dropped into compartments, and coats are pulled from hooks. Storage areas experience constant traffic throughout the school day.

For School Business Managers, the cheapest option is not always the most economical. There is increasing emphasis on whole-life value rather than simply upfront cost. Durable storage systems often deliver better long-term value by reducing maintenance, repairs and replacement cycles.

The key is selecting solutions designed specifically for educational environments rather than adapting products intended for lighter commercial use.

How can good storage improve pupil independence?

Storage is not just about organisation. It also supports pupil development. The EYFS Framework highlights the importance of enabling children to manage their own belongings and develop independence.

Clearly organised cloakroom areas help children:

• Locate belongings independently
• Follow daily routines
• Take responsibility for personal items
• Develop organisational skills

This principle remains valuable throughout primary school. Many schools supported by GLS view storage as part of the wider learning environment rather than simply a facilities consideration. Well-designed spaces help pupils become more confident and self-sufficient.

How can schools reduce lost property?

Lost property is a challenge in almost every school. While it can never be eliminated completely, effective storage can significantly reduce it. Common approaches include:

• Clearly labelled storage spaces
• Consistent class-based organisation
• Individual coat pegs or compartments
• Dedicated lost property areas
• Visual identifiers for younger pupils

Simple organisational systems often prove more effective than complex solutions. The easier it is for pupils to return items to the correct location, the less likely belongings are to go missing.

What mistakes do schools make when buying cloakroom storage?

One of the most common mistakes is underestimating how much space pupils actually need. Winter coats, PE kits and school bags take up considerably more room than many schools anticipate.

Other common issues include:

• Insufficient circulation space
• Storage positioned in high-traffic areas
• Limited accessibility for younger pupils
• Lack of flexibility for future growth
• Choosing appearance over practicality

Across many storage projects, GLS finds that the most successful solutions are those that balance capacity, accessibility and day-to-day usability. The best storage systems are often the ones pupils barely notice because they simply work.

Why is storage becoming a bigger priority for schools?

Schools are increasingly focused on making better use of every available square metre. Growing pupil numbers, changing curriculum requirements and increasing operational pressures mean that space matters more than ever.

Storage plays an important role in this. Well-organised environments can:

• Improve classroom efficiency
• Support behaviour routines
• Reduce clutter
• Improve safety
• Create calmer learning spaces

For School Business Managers, storage is no longer simply a facilities issue. It is an operational decision that affects how effectively a school functions every day.

How does GLS support schools with storage planning?

Choosing storage is about more than selecting lockers or cloakroom units. It is about creating organised environments that support pupils, staff and the day-to-day operation of the school.

GLS works with schools to help plan practical storage solutions that balance durability, accessibility and long-term value. Whether reviewing a single cloakroom area or planning wider learning environment improvements, the focus remains the same: helping schools create spaces that are organised, efficient and built for everyday educational use.

For more guidance, visit our School Furniture Hub. Schools reviewing storage provision may also find it useful to explore our School Lockers and Cloakroom Storage category.