Education Sector Solutions
Movable Walls for Schools
& Universities
Flexible classroom partitions, operable walls for school halls and divisible lecture theatres for primary schools, secondary schools, colleges and universities across the UK.
Introduction
How ModernGlide Systems Are Used in Education
Educational buildings require spaces that can be quickly adapted for different teaching activities throughout the day. Movable acoustic walls allow large school halls and university spaces to be divided into separate teaching environments, examination spaces or activity areas — all without permanent building work. ModernGlide systems are designed to be operated easily by school and university staff and provide the acoustic separation needed for effective learning.
From primary schools dividing a shared hall into two classrooms, to universities creating multiple seminar rooms from a single lecture theatre, operable wall systems are widely used across the education sector. Our systems meet the acoustic requirements set out in Building Bulletin 93 (BB93) for educational buildings, ensuring that noise transfer between divided spaces is minimised.
School buildings are increasingly designed with flexible learning environments in mind. Architects and school planners specify movable wall systems to future-proof buildings, allowing spaces to be reconfigured as teaching methods, year group sizes and curriculum requirements change over time. Universities rely on operable wall systems to host events, conferences and public lectures alongside regular teaching activities.
Design Challenges
Typical Challenges in Educational Buildings
Acoustic Control
Noise transfer between classrooms, halls and corridors disrupts learning. Building Bulletin 93 (BB93) sets strict acoustic requirements for educational buildings that must be met.
Flexible Room Layouts
Schools and universities need spaces that can be reconfigured for different class sizes, teaching methods and activities throughout the day — without permanent construction.
Multi-Use Environments
A school hall may need to function as a sports hall, exam room, dining space and community venue on the same day. Operable walls enable this without conflict between activities.
Large Open Spaces
University lecture theatres and school halls are large open spaces that need to be divided for smaller groups. Systems must handle wide spans and high wall heights without floor channels.
Easy Staff Operation
Systems must be operable by non-specialist school and university staff without tools or training. Electric systems can automate reconfiguration for large spaces.
System Solutions
How ModernGlide Systems Solve These Challenges
ModernGlide MG100 movable acoustic walls are the most widely specified system for educational buildings. With Rw ratings up to 59 dB, they provide the acoustic separation required by BB93 when dividing school halls and assembly spaces. Panels are top-hung from a ceiling track, requiring no floor channels, and can be operated by school staff without specialist training.
For larger educational spaces such as sports halls and university lecture theatres, the MG100E fully electric system allows motorised operation at the touch of a button. This is particularly valuable in schools where staff changes frequently and consistent operation is important.
University buildings increasingly specify glazed systems such as the MG500 for seminar rooms and study spaces, where natural light and visual connection are priorities alongside acoustic separation.
Acoustic Performance
Building Bulletin 93 (BB93) Compliance
Educational buildings in England must comply with Building Bulletin 93 (BB93), which sets out acoustic performance requirements for different types of teaching spaces. ModernGlide movable acoustic wall systems are available with Rw ratings from 33 to 59 dB, allowing specifiers to select the correct system for each application.
For standard classroom division, a system rated Rw 38–45 dB is typically sufficient. For spaces where music, drama or noisy activities take place adjacent to quiet teaching areas, the MG100 at Rw 59 dB provides the maximum available acoustic separation.
Acoustic ratings explainedApplication Examples
Typical Applications in Education
Schools
Universities & Higher Education
PanelHush Acoustic Systems
Acoustic Treatment for Educational Interiors
PanelHush acoustic panels and ceiling baffles are used in schools and universities to reduce reverberation in classrooms, corridors and shared spaces. Made from 65% recycled PET fibre, they are a sustainable choice for new-build and refurbishment projects. They complement movable wall systems to create fully optimised acoustic learning environments.
Architect Resources
Guides & Resources for Education
Recommended Systems
Systems for Education
BB93-compliant movable walls for schools and universities
MG100 – Movable Acoustic Wall
Top acoustic performance, Rw up to 59 dB. Meets BB93 requirements for educational buildings.
MG100E – Fully Electric Movable Walls
Motorised operation ideal for school staff and large university spaces.
MG200 – Hinged Folding Partitions
Floor-supported hinged folding partition for school halls where ceiling structure is limited.
MG400 – Sliding Wall Systems
Straight sliding walls and pocket door systems for classroom corridors.
MG500 – Flush Glazed Sliding Folding
Glazed partitions for light-filled university seminar rooms and study spaces.
Related Searches
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from architects, school business managers, university estates teams and contractors specifying movable walls for educational buildings.
What acoustic standard applies to movable walls in educational buildings?
Building Bulletin 93 (BB93) sets out the acoustic performance requirements for educational buildings in England. It specifies minimum sound reduction values for partitions between different types of teaching spaces. ModernGlide movable acoustic wall systems are available with Rw ratings from 33 to 59 dB, allowing specifiers to select the correct system for each BB93 requirement.
What Rw rating is required for a school hall movable wall?
BB93 typically requires a minimum Rw of 40 to 45 dB for partitions between general teaching areas. For spaces adjacent to music rooms, drama studios or sports halls, a higher rating of Rw 50 to 59 dB is recommended. The MG100 at Rw 59 dB provides the maximum available acoustic separation.
Can operable walls be used to divide a university lecture theatre?
Yes. ModernGlide movable wall systems are widely used in university lecture theatres to divide large spaces into smaller seminar rooms. Glazed systems such as the MG500 are often specified for university environments where natural light and visual connection are priorities alongside acoustic separation.
Are movable walls easy for school staff to operate?
Yes. Manual movable wall systems are designed to be operated by non-specialist school staff without tools or training. Panels are pushed along a ceiling track and lock into position with a simple handle mechanism. Electric systems (MG100E) further simplify operation with push-button control, which is ideal for large spaces or schools with high staff turnover.
Can movable walls be used in primary school halls?
Yes. The MG100 movable acoustic wall is widely installed in primary school halls across the UK, allowing a single hall to be divided into two teaching spaces. This is particularly valuable for schools with growing pupil numbers where additional classroom space is needed without building extensions.
What is the lead time for a school movable wall installation?
Lead times vary depending on the system specification, panel sizes and finishes required. A typical school movable wall installation can be completed within 8 to 14 weeks from order confirmation. ModernGlide will provide a specific programme at the time of quotation.
Do movable walls for schools require planning permission?
In most cases, no. Movable wall systems are considered non-structural internal fit-out elements and do not typically require planning permission. For listed school buildings or those within a conservation area, consent may be required. Always confirm with the local planning authority for specific projects.
What maintenance do school movable walls require?
ModernGlide recommends an annual service inspection for all movable wall systems. This includes checking the track mechanism, panel seals, locking hardware and acoustic performance. A service contract can be arranged at the time of installation. Regular maintenance ensures consistent acoustic performance and extends the operational life of the system.
Can PanelHush acoustic panels be used alongside movable walls in schools?
Yes. PanelHush acoustic wall panels and ceiling baffles are widely used in schools alongside movable wall systems. While movable walls provide acoustic separation between divided spaces, PanelHush panels reduce reverberation within each space, improving speech intelligibility for teachers and pupils.
BB93 Acoustic Compliance
Systems available to meet Building Bulletin 93 acoustic requirements for educational buildings. Rw ratings from 33 to 59 dB.
Easy Staff Operation
Designed for non-specialist operation. School and university staff can reconfigure spaces in minutes without tools or training.
FIS Accredited Installer
ModernGlide is a FIS accredited installer, giving school business managers and university estates teams confidence in our work.
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