Costing a school painting project
A budget question with no quick answer
Every few years, a school building demands a fresh coat of paint. Sometimes it's due to wear and tear; sometimes because Ofsted inspectors have hinted at a drab environment; sometimes it's sheer necessity as chipped paint gives an impression of neglect. Inevitably, someone in authority will ask: How much will school painting actually cost? And that's when a straightforward conversation quickly becomes complex.
For heads and site managers already balancing utilities, staffing and repairs, the true number is frustratingly slippery. These days, you'll hear quotes ranging from £8 to £15 per square metre, though some jobs fall outside that range. The problem is that schools aren't standard buildings. Old red-brick comprehensives, new academies, and heritage primaries all require different levels of preparation.
Procuring school painting services has become less about finding the lowest headline fee and more about decoding what's hiding in the details of each estimate.
How basic figures are calculated
When you strip it back, painting costs are essentially made up of two things: labour and materials. Labour is usually the larger factor. In the UK, painters and decorators currently charge between £12 and £18 per hour, with higher rates in London and the South East. Firms that market themselves for large-scale commercial painting services will generally cost a little more than one-man-band painters, but what you gain is efficiency, management and speed. A larger team can complete several classrooms in days rather than weeks.
Materials add another layer. Standard emulsion paint costs approximately £3 to £5 per square metre. They're sufficient for classrooms with lighter traffic and minimal cleaning demands. However, schools are rarely straightforward in their requirements. Corridors, stairwells, and assembly halls require tougher coatings that resist knocks, scuffs, and cleaning chemicals. These are more expensive, typically £7-£12 per square metre.
Specialist finishes, such as anti-graffiti coatings or antibacterial paints for nurseries, can increase the price again. Once labour is factored in, most schools fall within the £8 to £15 per square metre range, often edging slightly higher when trims, door frames and ceilings are included.
Regional and seasonal variations
Not all parts of the country are equal when it comes to cost. Schools in London, Oxford, or Surrey will almost always face higher quotes than those in cities such as Hull, Dundee, or Cardiff, where labour rates are lower. Travel costs can also influence pricing: a rural primary may see a higher fee simply because decorators must factor in time and mileage.
Another underappreciated element is timing. Holidays are the prime window for school painting services, and contractors know it. Booking at the last minute for summer break may incur a premium due to high demand. Schools that plan projects further in advance or target half-terms sometimes negotiate better rates.
The hidden extras schools often miss
Focusing solely on the per-square-metre figure can be misleading, as schools face unique challenges that other buildings do not. For example, safeguarding is paramount. Painters working on site during term time will usually need DBS checks, which limit who can be employed and potentially increase costs.
Site access is another factor. Some older schools have high ceilings, heritage stairwells or architectural flourishes that require scaffolding or specialist equipment. These costs are rarely obvious at the start. Then there's disruption to consider. A retail shop can move customers out of a corner while decorators work; a school cannot close off half of a corridor during exams. This means careful scheduling, often in unsociable hours, which, in turn, increases labour costs.
Contractors that specialise in school painting services tend to be honest about these realities upfront, whereas general commercial painting services may overlook them, only to add them later under "extras". Asking for an itemised breakdown is the best way for schools to avoid nasty surprises.
Cut corners or pay for long-term savings
Here lies one of the big dilemmas: do you go for the cheapest quote or invest in something more robust? In education settings, the cheaper choice often ends up being the most expensive in the long run. Thin paint jobs deteriorate quickly under the daily assault of shoes, bags and cleaning products. Repainting sooner than expected is not only disruptive but also financially inefficient. High-quality paints that cost a few pounds more per square metre can last twice as long and withstand regular washing better.
Beyond durability, colour selection matters more than many managers expect. Studies into colour psychology suggest blues and greens encourage calm concentration, while brighter tones foster energy in creative spaces. Choosing wisely with the help of professional school painting services allows schools to extract more value, not just financially but educationally, too. It turns what many see as a maintenance obligation into an opportunity to improve the learning atmosphere.
Compliance, safety and reputation
Schools occupy a distinct space in compliance. Contractors must work around young people, which means strict health-and-safety measures, DBS clearance and adherence to safeguarding rules. Painting companies familiar with education environments tend to take this in their stride, but it's worth a school verifying accreditations. Reputable providers often hold Constructionline registration or CHAS accreditation, providing assurance that work will be carried out to strict standards.
Selecting experienced providers isn't only about safety, though. A poorly managed decorating project can damage a school's reputation with parents as quickly as it can mark a floor. Families expect classrooms to be welcoming and safe. Shabby finishes or prolonged disruption can undermine the image a school projects to its community.
Choosing the right contractor
The market has no shortage of painters and decorators. Yet schools benefit from considering more than the cheapest square metre rate. The best experiences often come from companies that combine the efficiency of commercial painting services with specific expertise in schools. They understand safeguarding, plan around term dates, and keep projects on schedule with minimal disruption.
Above all, transparency is the key. A trustworthy contractor will provide a line-by-line breakdown of labour, paint, equipment, and contingency costs before any brush meets a wall. Clients should always ask for references from other schools, and credible firms will be happy to provide them. The right provider makes school painting less of a headache and more of a long-term investment in both the building and the well-being of the community it serves.