Acoustic Panels for Primary school hall, Glastonbury
We were contacted by St John’s C of E VC Infants’ School to address the significant echo and reverberation affecting both students and staff across multiple classrooms. The initial focus was on key multi-use areas, including the main hall, the Hub, and a classroom specifically designed to support SEND pupils.
St John’s is deeply committed to narrowing the attainment gap between SEN/D and non-SEN/D pupils, with a strong emphasis on developing inclusive spaces within the main school environment. As one of the only non-specialist schools in the area to provide its own dedicated sensory ‘calm’ room, the school recognises that some children can feel overwhelmed in traditional classroom settings. These carefully considered environments offer a safe and calming space to support emotional regulation and well-being. With high aspirations for every pupil, the school strives to ensure all children are able to achieve and progress to the best of their ability.
Project Overview
We carried out an on-site visit to assess the acoustic challenges, taking detailed measurements of reverberation time to produce an RT60 analysis. This provided a clear, data-led understanding of how sound behaved within each space and allowed us to identify the level of absorption required to achieve meaningful improvement.
Working closely with the school, we then developed a tailored design solution, carefully considering both acoustic performance and visual integration. Panel styles, finishes, and placement were selected to complement the existing environment while maximising sound absorption in key areas.
Once designs were finalised, our team manufactured the bespoke acoustic panels in our Somerset workshop. Installation was completed efficiently over a two-day period during the Easter holidays, ensuring minimal disruption to the school’s day-to-day activities.
Collaboration & Delivery
We worked closely with St John’s to understand the evolving needs of this educational environment. St John’s C of E VC Infants’ School has been serving its community since 1866, with some of its original buildings still in use today. While respecting this long-standing heritage, the school continues to adapt in line with modern educational standards and expectations. The forward-thinking staff and governors are committed to providing a broad, engaging curriculum tailored to the needs and interests of every child. This approach is supported by a range of inclusive practices, including classroom adaptations to support whole-class learning, as well as the introduction of calm, personalised spaces that promote individual well-being and help children learn in ways that suit them best.
Results & Impact
The introduction of acoustic rafts within the main hall and central hub has delivered a clear and measurable improvement to the learning environment. By significantly reducing noise levels and reverberation, these spaces are now calmer, more focused, and better suited to both group activities and everyday use. This has enhanced speech clarity for staff and pupils alike, supporting communication, concentration, and overall well-being. The success of these initial installations has provided a strong foundation for future improvements, with plans in place to extend acoustic treatments into additional classrooms and shared spaces as further funding becomes available, ensuring a consistent and supportive environment throughout the school.
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Whether you're a developer, main contractor, architect, or private client, we'd love to collaborate on your next project. At ISS, we operate nationwide, offering acoustic solutions and commercial fit-outs that meet the highest standards. With our in-house team of skilled specialists, we ensure every aspect of the project is handled with precision, from design and manufacturing to installation.
Client: St John’s C of E VC Infants’ School
Sector: Education