Across the UK, schools, academies and multi-academy trusts (MATs) manage increasingly complex estates. Many operate across multiple buildings — and in the case of academy trusts, across multiple sites in different locations.

These estates often include a mixture of:

• Modern classroom blocks

• Victorian or listed buildings

• Temporary modular classrooms

• Sports halls and assembly halls

• SEN provisions

• Administrative offices

Heating such diverse environments presents major operational and financial challenges.

Different building types and usage patterns make consistent heating and energy management extremely difficult. A high-ceilinged sports hall behaves very differently from a small insulated classroom. Older academy buildings may have poor insulation and outdated infrastructure, while newer sites may operate under entirely different heating systems.

For schools and academy trusts, planning ahead is essential. However, traditional heating systems cannot easily respond to changing timetables, fluctuating occupancy or unexpected room changes. When classrooms are unused or lessons are relocated, heating systems often continue running — increasing waste and driving up costs.

For multi-academy trusts operating across several sites, monitoring heating usage is frequently inefficient and reactive. Estates managers may rely on ageing building management systems, manual adjustments or individual site intervention.

Meanwhile:

• Rising gas and electricity prices continue to strain budgets.

• Heating accounts for one of the largest operational costs in education.

• Maintenance demands consume time and resources.

• Sustainability and net zero targets are becoming mandatory expectations.

Schools, academies and trusts are under increasing pressure to reduce energy consumption while maintaining safe, comfortable learning environments.

The question is no longer whether heating systems need upgrading — but how to do so efficiently, affordably and sustainably.

Common Heating Systems in Schools and Academies – And Their Limitations

Understanding the challenges schools and academy trusts face requires acknowledging the limitations of traditional systems.

Gas Boilers and Radiator Systems

Gas heating remains the most common solution in UK schools and academies.

However, these systems often involve:

• Complex pipework across multiple buildings

• Heat loss through distribution systems

• High servicing and maintenance costs

• Annual compliance checks

• Boiler replacement cycles

• Slow warm-up times

• Uneven heat distribution

Radiators heat the air first, not the people or objects in the room. Warm air rises and accumulates near ceilings — particularly inefficient in halls, older buildings and spaces with high ceilings.

For academy trusts managing multiple sites, boiler maintenance and breakdowns can become a constant financial and logistical burden.

Storage Heaters and Direct Electric Heating

Some schools and academies use storage heaters or conventional electric panel heaters. These can be inflexible, slow to respond to timetable changes and difficult to control accurately.

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps may improve efficiency in certain settings, but retrofitting them into older academy buildings can require substantial infrastructure upgrades, insulation improvements and high upfront capital expenditure.

For trusts overseeing multiple schools, scaling heat pump systems across estates can be complex and disruptive.

Who We Work With Across the Education and Care Sectors

At Infrared Group, we design and install large-scale infrared heating systems for organisations managing multi-building estates.

We work with:

Care Homes

Heating accounts for around 70% of energy costs on average. Our zoned, smart-controlled systems allow care groups to manage large estates efficiently while maintaining comfort and reducing waste.

Education – Schools, Academies and Trusts

We supply safe, efficient ceiling-mounted infrared heating systems to primary schools, secondary schools, academies, SEN settings and universities. Ideal for classrooms and halls, ceiling mounting removes burn risks and delivers consistent, comfortable warmth.

Hospitality, Hotels and HMOs

We provide infrared heating systems for multi-occupancy buildings, combining energy efficiency with intelligent control.

Across all sectors, infrared heating paired with advanced smart controls ensures that not a single kilowatt-hour is wasted.

The fast warm-up time of infrared heating allows classrooms and halls to be heated just 15–20 minutes before use — enabling precise scheduling that traditional heating systems cannot achieve.

Our Vision for Infrared Heating in Schools, Academies and Trusts

Our vision is clear:

To deliver efficient infrared heating systems across school and academy estates that significantly reduce running costs, lower maintenance requirements, improve sustainability and enhance pupil and staff comfort.

We aim to give schools, academies and trusts:

• Complete visibility of heating usage

• Real-time energy monitoring

• Multi-site control

• Reduced carbon emissions

• Lower long-term operational costs

By combining comfort, efficiency and accountability through smart, zoned, data-driven heating systems, estates teams can manage energy proactively rather than reactively.

Why Infrared Heating Is More Energy Efficient for Schools and Academies

Infrared heating works differently from conventional heating.

Instead of heating the air, it emits radiant heat that warms people, desks, floors, walls and surfaces directly. This reduces wasted energy and improves heating efficiency.

For schools and academy trusts, this delivers measurable benefits:

• 40–70% cheaper to run than traditional heating systems

• Around 42% lower wattage requirement for equal heating coverage

• No servicing or ongoing maintenance costs

• Rapid warm-up times

• Reduced heat loss

Because objects retain warmth, classrooms stay comfortable for longer — even after the system switches off.

For education budgets under pressure, improved efficiency directly translates into meaningful savings.

Ceiling-Mounted Infrared Panels: Designed for Education Environments

Ceiling-mounted infrared panels are particularly suited to schools, academies and SEN settings.

Enhanced Safety

Installed out of reach, panels eliminate the risk of accidental contact or tampering — unlike traditional radiators, which can become hot to the touch.

No Trip Hazards

With no freestanding heaters or exposed pipework, classrooms remain safer.

More Usable Space

Ceiling mounting frees up valuable wall space for displays, storage and flexible layouts.

Cleaner Learning Environments

Infrared panels do not circulate dust and allergens in the same way as convection systems, supporting improved indoor air quality.

Even Heat Distribution

Radiant heat is delivered uniformly from above, reducing cold spots and eliminating heat loss through walls.

Smart Heating Control for Schools and Multi-Academy Trusts

We partner with SALUS Controls to provide advanced smart Wi-Fi heating management systems and create a fully integrated heating network.

Centralised Multi-Site Control

Academy trusts can manage multiple schools from a single login.

Individual Classroom Scheduling

Each room can operate on its own heating schedule aligned with timetables.

Temperature Threshold Management

Staff can adjust temperatures within limits set by estates management — preventing overheating and protecting budgets.

Real-Time Monitoring and Data

Track energy consumption, measure carbon reduction and analyse cost performance across entire estates.

This level of insight allows trusts to:

• Forecast heating budgets

• Set sustainability KPIs

• Support funding bids

• Provide transparent reporting

• Plan estate upgrades strategically

  
  

Fast Installation with Minimal Disruption

Infrared heating systems require:

• No pipework

• No ductwork

• No boiler rooms

• Minimal invasive work

This allows schools and academies to install systems quickly, often during holidays, with limited disruption to teaching.

For multi-academy trusts, this means faster roll-out across estates and lower installation costs.

Solar PV and Low-Carbon Heating for Schools and Academies

Combining infrared heating with solar PV offers significant advantages.

Generate Clean Electricity On-Site

Schools and academies can power electric infrared heating using renewable energy.

Dramatically Lower Energy Bills

Self-generation combined with efficient electric heating reduces reliance on grid electricity.

Support Net Zero Commitments

Reduced fossil fuel dependence supports carbon reduction strategies across trusts.

For academy trusts aiming to decarbonise estates, infrared heating paired with solar PV provides a future-proof pathway.

The Financial Case for Infrared Heating in Schools and Trusts

When comparing infrared heating with traditional gas heating in schools and academies, the benefits include:

• Lower running costs

• Zero servicing requirements

• No boiler replacement cycles

• Reduced infrastructure complexity

• Long system lifespan

• Improved energy efficiency

As heating remains one of the largest operational costs in education buildings, transitioning to efficient electric infrared heating can release significant funds back into teaching and student support.

A Smarter Future for School and Academy Heating

Schools, academies and multi-academy trusts across the UK are under increasing pressure to reduce heating costs, improve sustainability and modernise estates.

Infrared heating offers:

• Cheap and efficient electric heating

• Smart zoned control

• Multi-site management capability

• Lower maintenance burden

• Safer classroom environments

• Compatibility with solar PV

• Scalable solutions for academy trusts

For education leaders seeking to reduce energy costs, improve comfort and meet sustainability targets, infrared heating represents not just an alternative — but a strategic upgrade for the future of school and academy estates. If you are reviewing heating provision across your school or academy estate, we would be pleased to provide an initial consultation and outline potential efficiency improvements.

Contact Infrared Group for expert advice and a tailored quote.

📞 0333 090 7160
📧 info@infraredgroup.co.uk
🌐 www.infraredgroup.co.uk