How to choose the right school lockers

Here is what to look for when selecting lockers for your school

1. Choose reduced-height lockers for younger students

Make sure the lockers you choose are the right height for the students who will be using them. Standard lockers are usually around 1.8 metres tall, which can be too high for younger children to access. Primary school lockers are specially designed for this is age group, usually measuring between 1.3 and 1.4 metres high to make every compartment accessible without struggle.

 In secondary schools, you could either provide a variety of primary school lockers and standard height lockers to cater for all age groups and heights, or you could assign younger students to lower compartments in tiered lockers. Reduced height lockers are also recommended for wheelchair users and will help your school to be accessible for all students.

2. Opt for padlocks fittings to prevent lost keys

Keyed locks can be a hassle for students and staff alike—especially when keys are lost or forgotten. A popular alternative is to choose compartment lockers with padlock fittings, allowing students to use their own locks.

This approach gives students more responsibility and flexibility. We recommend encouraging them to use combination padlocks, which remove the risk of losing keys altogether.

3. Choose steel or laminate lockers for durability

School lockers have a tougher life than the ones in offices or gyms. They get slammed, kicked, leaned on and overstuffed, often before first break. So it's worth choosing a material that can take it.

Sheet steel is the classic for a reason. It's strong, hard to force open and, with a powder-coated finish, copes well with daily wear. If you want lockers that stay secure year after year, steel is a safe choice.

If damp is a worry, for example near the PE changing rooms, take a look at high-pressure laminate. It won't rust, it shrugs off moisture and it wipes clean in seconds, which your site team will appreciate.

Both are built to last, so you won't be replacing damaged lockers every few years.

4. Add sloping tops to improve hygiene and safety

Stop students from placing their belongings or litter on top of the lockers by adding lockers with a sloping top. This has several benefits. It will help create a more hygienic environment by preventing dust from accumulating or food waste being left on top of lockers. It helps avoid items getting lost as it’s one less place for pupils to leave coats or bags, which may be hard to see on top of the locker or could fall down the back. It will also leave your school looking tidier without additional work for janitorial staff. Most lockers can be fitted with a sloping top at the time of manufacture for a small additional charge.

5. Prioritise ventilation to prevents bad odours

Ventilation may seem like a small detail, but it makes a big difference. Choose lockers with built-in ventilation holes or louvres to ensure airflow through each compartment. This helps prevent unpleasant smells from lingering if students leave PE kits, packed lunches or damp clothing inside for too long.

6. Bright colours create a happier school

Whether you choose steel or laminate, they are often available in a wide range of colours. Blue and light grey are generally the most popular choices but, in a school, vibrant colours can be a great way to brighten up the corridors and create a more welcoming and lively atmosphere for your students.