School design

We sustain and enhance the quality of our school property as a part of delivering on our commitment to shaping an education system that delivers equitable and excellent outcomes.

This section provides information and resources to support the design of quality learning environments and gives access to the Ministry’s design standards for school property.

The information provided supports schools, board members and consultants working on school property to ensure schools are safe and fit for purpose for generations of ākonga to learn and succeed.

Strategies and policies for school property

Access the Ministry’s overarching strategic documents and policies for school property.

Strategies and policies for school property

Standards and requirements for school property design

All school property projects must comply with Ministry design standards and requirements, all relevant legal requirements and should follow best practice. As an example, our standards include requirements for creating learner-centred environments, accessible environments for people with special needs and quality indoor learning environments. There are also requirements for weathertightness and durability, structural and geotechnical, fire safety and sustainable building design.

School boards must ensure that any consultant or contractor they use for a project is aware of these requirements.

Access the full list of Ministry design standards and requirements.

Standards and requirements for school property design

Designing learning environments

A learning environment is influenced by the social, pedagogical, and physical elements of a school or learning community.

The successful design of a physical learning environment can enable a range of teaching and learning practices and support the delivery of an educational vision. A successful design also contributes to meeting the diverse needs of learners, supports the wellbeing of students and schools, and puts learners at the centre of design.

Access research, case studies and reference material that supports the creation of quality physical environments for schools and their learners.

Designing learning environments 

Reference designs

Reference designs are easily repeatable designs for teaching blocks and areas within a school that have specific requirements. '

For example, toilets, changing spaces and designs to support accessibility. They can be easily customised to suit school sites, educational needs, or existing buildings and have been shown to deliver good outcomes for learners and the Ministry as asset owners.

Reference designs

Design guidance

Design guidance is provided for a range of areas in schools that have specific requirements to ensure they are fit-for-purpose. This guidance is based on a collection of lessons learnt and experiences from schools, designers and the Ministry. These pages contain helpful insights and information to support better property outcomes.

Access best practice design guidance for school property.

Design guidance

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