School halls aren’t enough. Secondary pupils want a proper gym.
PE lessons in the sports hall cover the basics. But more pupils — especially Years 9–13 — want strength, conditioning and functional training. And they have nowhere to do it.
Outdoor calisthenics frames sit in the rain. The nearest commercial gym is either too far or too expensive. Pupils who’d train after school just go home instead.
A modular gym on school grounds changes that pattern. Available during breaks, integrated into PE, before and after lessons — without leaving the school site.
What’s in a school module?
Standard school spec: 8×4 m or 10×4 m, designed for sustained group use by pupils.
Training equipment
➜ Multifunction rack (Smith, cable, squat rack, pull-up)
➜ Dumbbell set 2.5–25 kg with dedicated rack
➜ Olympic barbell + weight plates
➜ Adjustable bench
➜ Wall-bar gymnastic frame
➜ Pull-up bar
➜ Training and exercise mats
➜ Indoor cycle and treadmill (option)
Facility specification
➜ Air-source heat pump (year-round comfort)
➜ Wall-mounted training mirrors
➜ LED lighting throughout
➜ Anti-slip rubber flooring
➜ Smart access control — managed by SLT/PE staff, audit trail per user
How schools use the module
During PE lessons
PE groups use the module instead of (or alongside) the sports hall. Teachers run strength or functional training sessions according to their own scheme of work.
After school
Pupils and staff train independently. Smart locks issue codes per year group or per student card — admin sees who enters and when.
Evenings and weekends
Community access. Options for free (school + parish funded) or membership-based (self-funding through annual fee).
Funding sources for a school module
The investment is typically funded from one or several combined sources:
➜ PE & Sport Premium funding (DfE) — eligible for capital improvements supporting PE delivery
➜ Academy Trust capital reserves — multi-academy trusts pooling capital across sites
➜ Local Authority maintenance grants — community schools
➜ Section 106 / CIL developer contributions — when local housing development triggers community infrastructure funding
➜ Sport England School Games Mark / Active Schools fund
➜ Sport England Movement Fund — partnership with local sports clubs
➜ Parent-Teacher Association capital appeals
We prepare technical documentation and cost breakdowns in formats matching each funding source’s requirements.
What does a school module cost?
| Variant | Dimensions | Net price |
|---|---|---|
| Basic module | 8×4 m | from £24,000 +VAT |
| Module with WC | 10×4 m | from £32,000 +VAT |
| Module with WC and changing area | 12×4 m | from £39,000 +VAT |
Price includes module, equipment, HVAC, building services, transport, installation.
Lead time and consents
➜ Delivery: 8–12 weeks from contract signing
➜ Planning: modules ≤ 30 m² on screw piles typically Permitted Development (Class E) for outbuildings; >30 m² may need full planning
➜ Community use: D2 use class — full planning may be needed if used outside school hours by paying members
We support documentation for both Building Control submissions and grant funding applications.
FAQ
Are pupils safe with strength equipment in a self-managed facility?
We recommend access from Year 10 (age 14+) under supervision or following a formal induction. Smart locks restrict access to authorised users — Year 10+ during specific time slots.
How does the school manage access?
The admin (Head of PE, Site Manager, Headteacher) manages access codes via an app. Schedules can be created — e.g. Years 7–9 during lunch, Years 10–13 after school, community 18:00–21:00.
Can the module be extended later?
Yes — modules join together. Schools that later want to add a changing room, sauna recovery module, or additional training space can install a second module.
Is PE & Sport Premium funding really eligible for capital like this?
Yes if the equipment/facility clearly supports PE delivery and physical activity for pupils. The DfE allows capital expenditure where it improves PE provision. We supply a written specification that explicitly demonstrates this link for your funding return.
A school or Academy Trust? Free consultation →
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