Rethinking Classrooms

Published 2nd April 2025

A new whitepaper published by TSL (Technology Supplies) sheds light on the urgent need to modernise Design and Technology and STEAM learning spaces across the UK. Titled ‘The Impact of Learning Spaces on Design and Technology Education’, the report highlights widespread dissatisfaction among teachers with their current teaching environments. It also points towards solutions and funding opportunities that could transform the future of technical education.

Backed by extensive research and feedback from teachers, technicians, and school leaders, the whitepaper reveals that over one-third of D&T teachers are unhappy with their current spaces. Issues like outdated equipment, cramped layouts, poor storage, and lack of flexibility are described as barriers to effective teaching. Around 92% of respondents agreed that the design and layout of their teaching environment significantly affects both teaching quality and student outcomes.

Improvement

The whitepaper explores the problems teachers face and outlines pathways to improvement. It points to initiatives such as the UK government’s £2.5 billion investment in school infrastructure, new teaching qualifications in STEAM, and charitable grants from organisations like the Wolfson Foundation and Goldsmiths' Company Charity as support routes for schools seeking to enhance their D&T provision.

Reconfiguration

Among the report’s themes is the importance of flexibility in learning environments. Movable furniture, modular layouts, and multi-use spaces are flagged as key enablers for more creative, collaborative, and inclusive learning.

“Spaces that allow for reconfiguration, such as movable furniture and open layouts, encourage collaboration, experimentation, and problem-solving.”
– Jason Reagin, The Future of Learning

There is also a growing recognition of the skills gap in robotics, coding, and AI, with 88% of teachers saying they are not teaching robotics in the classroom with most citing lack of time, space, or training. The whitepaper argues that as 80% of 2030’s jobs don’t yet exist, schools must be equipped to deliver future-ready learning through cutting-edge technologies and dynamic teaching spaces.

Solutions

The report concludes with a call to action for greater investment and collaboration between schools, policymakers, and industry leaders to ensure that learning spaces evolve in step with education itself.

The full whitepaper can be accessed here, and TSL invites education professionals to join its steering committee for the future of practical and technical learning spaces.

Funding Guide

To support teachers in turning their vision for D&T and STEM learning environments into reality, TSL has also released a 2025 Funding Guide for Schools. This practical resource offers a curated list of grants, fundraising ideas, and expert tips to help schools access financial support for equipment, facilities, and innovation projects.

Whether exploring crowdfunding, competitions, or formal grant applications, the guide provides actionable advice to help strengthen submissions and maximise your chances of success. Download the guide now.

For further information, contact hello@wf-education.com.