Temporary classrooms for schools: a fast, flexible solution for when you need space now

When a school needs extra space in a hurry whether for a building project, a bulge year, or an unexpected facilities issue the options on the table rarely feel good. Portacabins take time to organise, modular buildings require planning, and using the school hall disrupts everything else. There is a faster, more flexible alternative that schools across London and the South East are increasingly turning to: a marquee-based temporary classroom from Trafalgar Structures.

Why schools choose a marquee classroom

A marquee is not what most people picture when they hear ‘temporary classroom’. Modern marquee structures are insulated, secure, heated, and fully carpeted they are not a draughty event tent. They are custom-built to fit the available space on your school site, whether that is a courtyard, a corner of the playing field, or an area that wraps around an existing building.

The core advantages over other options are speed and flexibility. Most installations are completed within one to two days. We operate a mixed fleet of vehicles, not soley articulated lorries so there is no lorry manoeuvring across your playground, no damage to running tracks or football pitches, and far fewer health and safety complications on site.

Do temporary classrooms need planning permission?

This is the question we are asked most often, and the answer depends on how long the structure will be in place. For hire periods of 28 days or less, a temporary structure does not require planning permission. For longer-term hire which many schools opt for during building works or to manage sustained pupil number increases permitted development rights typically apply to educational premises, but we always recommend confirming with your local authority before proceeding.

We can advise on this as part of your initial enquiry, and we have worked with schools across London and the South East on both short and long-term installations.

How quickly can a classroom be ready?

In most cases, we can have a structure on site and ready to use within 24 to 48 hours of confirming the booking. For emergency situations such as a roof leak, a burst pipe, an unexpected facilities failure we understand that speed is everything. Get in touch and we will let you know what we can do.

A marquee vs a portacabin: the key differences

Portacabins are the most common alternative people consider. There are some important practical differences worth understanding before you decide:

• Delivery: portacabins arrive on large articulated lorries and require a crane or forklift to position. Our marquees arrive in vehicles for the site and are assembled by hand.
• Site access: lorries and lifting equipment require significant clear space and can cause ground damage. This is rarely practical on a busy school site.
• Shape flexibility: portacabins are fixed units in fixed dimensions. Our marquees can be configured to almost any shape or footprint to make the most of your available space.
• Carbon footprint: marquee structures have a significantly lower carbon footprint than portacabins, which aligns with the sustainability priorities of many schools and local authorities.

Recent example: Valentines High School

When Valentines High School in Ilford needed additional space quickly, Trafalgar Structures provided a temporary marquee structure that gave the school the breathing room it needed without disrupting the day-to-day operation of the site. The installation was completed rapidly, the structure was fully insulated and heated, and the school had a functional, comfortable space within days of getting in touch.

You can read more about our work with schools across London and the South East in our case studies section.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are marquee classrooms warm enough for use in winter?

Yes. Our structures are fully insulated and we install heating as standard for school hire. The internal temperature is controllable and consistent — students and staff are comfortable year-round.

Are temporary marquee classrooms safe?

Yes. All our structures are erected by trained, experienced teams and comply with the relevant health and safety standards. We are MUTA members and hold SafeContractor accreditation. Solid flooring is installed as standard, and security doors are fitted to all classroom structures.

How long can a temporary classroom stay in place?

Our structures can remain in place for as long as needed — from a few days to several years. Many of our school clients start with a short-term hire and extend as their needs evolve. We work around your academic calendar and remove the structure at the most convenient time.

Can the classroom be connected to the main school building?

Yes. We regularly build covered walkways and corridor connections between the main school building and the temporary structure, so students do not need to go outside to access it. This is something we discuss as part of every school enquiry.

Get in touch

If your school needs extra space quickly, we would be happy to talk through your options. We work with primary and secondary schools, colleges, and local authorities across London and the South East. Contact us for a no-obligation conversation or call us on 01932 620 060, or use our online calculator to get an instant ballpark estimate.