We often get asked how many toilets per person in a school? The answer is not the same for all school washrooms. The requirement varies depending on age of the pupils, this blog will take you through the advice given by the Department for Education.
How many toilets in a school?
The School Premises Regulations and Independent School Standards state there must be school washroom facilities than can be used solely by the pupils. Staff toilets should be kept separate and these can be used by visitors of the site. Separate school washrooms must be provided for boys and girls over the age of 8. In schools which mix younger years with higher education there must be separate school toilet facilities for primary and secondary.
While these school toilet regulations don’t specifically mention how many toilets per person in a school is needed. There is guidance from the Department for Education in the “Advice on standards for school premises” (March 2015).
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Age
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Provision
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Pupils
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Under 5
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One toilet and one washbasin
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Per 10
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5-11
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One toilet and one washbasin
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Per 20
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Over 11
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One toilet and one washbasin*
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Per 20
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*scope to reduce number of washbasins if the washroom facilities are shared.
With regards to further facilities in the school washroom. There should be one toilet paper dispenser for every WC and a soap dispenser at every wash basin (or every 500mm for a wash trough) containing 1000ml of liquid soap via a dosing pump. For hand dryers these can be provided with one for every 5 WCs.
Disabled toilet access
It’s important to be inclusive so there must be sufficient toilets for disabled pupils. These are regulations that are set out by Department for Education. There must be at least one hygiene room that provides specialist toilet facilities for those with disabilities. This features items such as grab rails with visual contrast, mobile hoists and an AD M raised height toilet.
In the school washroom where toilet cubicles are present one cubicle shall be provided wider to allow for staff to give assistance. These enlarged cubicles must comply with AD M and follow the guidance in BS 8300-2:2018 - ‘Design of an accessible and inclusive built environment. Buildings. Code of practice’.
School changing rooms
Changing room and shower facilities must be provided for any schools with pupils over the age of 11 taking part in Physical Education. These should be situated near the sports hall which can be easily accessible from both inside and out. There must be sufficient changing room facilities for half a year group at a time with equal and separate facilities for boys and girls. You should then allow for 1 shower cubicle for every 7 pupils to be accommodated at one time.
What’s next for your school washroom?
The Department for Education have regulations in place to make school toilets safe and accessible for everyone. The latest updated document was published in November 2021. If you would like more information on the regulations for your next school washroom read our school toilet regulation guide.
We have a full range of education toilet cubicles available with exciting colours that can create a bright, fun and exciting environment for your pupils. Try our Design Tool to see how your school toilets could look!
Get in Touch
We understand there is a lot to digest when it comes to planning your new school toilets and we are happy to help every step of the way. We pride ourselves on our experience within the Education Washroom sector, speak to one of our team today who can advise on the current Department for Education regulations and help you choose the right products for your school washroom project.
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