The education sector is under significant pressure. RAAC buildings raise urgent questions around safety and long-term investment, while education spaces are increasingly expected to support wellbeing, inclusion and community life.

Against this backdrop, the built environment has a critical role to play. Thoughtful design, strategic planning and collaboration can help education spaces respond to risk, unlock new opportunities and revenue streams whilst strengthening their relationship with place.

Our director Tom Morgan is a member of the NLA Expert Panel for Education, which has published a new Thought Guide for the Next Generation of Education. Chaired by Cora Kwiatkowski and developed with fellow expert panellists, the guide sets out an approach that prioritises wellbeing, inclusivity, creativity and community, while strengthening the relationship between education, the built environment and industry.

It calls for institutions to look outwards, to act as civic anchors, supporting placemaking, mixed use activity and long-term social value through adaptable environments and, wherever possible, the reuse and retrofit of existing buildings to deliver low carbon outcomes.

Crucially, the guide champions a youth centred approach, with young people actively involved in shaping the spaces they use. Engaging young people in design and placemaking helps amplify voices that are often underrepresented and ensures education environments reflect real needs and aspirations.

The Thought Guide will underpin further public discussion throughout the year. Read the guide here: https://nla.london/expert-panel-outputs-for-2025-education-expert-panel