Following the successful completion of the first floor fire safety works, Munday & Cramer returned to oversee the second phase of the project, a full upgrade of the ground floor fire doors, compartmentation and internal layout. This area of the school contained three classrooms, a breakout space and pupil toilets, all of which were constructed with non‑fire‑rated partitions and original 1960s doors that no longer met modern safety standards.

The works formed part of the school’s wider CIF‑funded programme to address urgent fire safety risks identified through multiple surveys.

The Challenge

The ground floor suffered from the same issues identified on the first floor. Internal walls were constructed from lightweight plasterboard and fibreboard, offering little to no fire resistance. Ceiling voids lacked fire stopping, allowing smoke and toxic fumes to travel freely between rooms and into escape routes.

All existing doors were condemned with 100% rated as non‑compliant. Many had no intumescent strips or smoke seals, oversized gaps, non‑fire‑rated glazing and worn ironmongery. The toilet areas and adjoining classrooms also contained non‑compliant partitions that would fail rapidly in a fire, compromising evacuation times and increasing risk to life.

These issues meant the ground floor could not contain fire or smoke, placing pupils and staff at significant risk and leaving the school exposed to potential enforcement action.

Our Approach

Munday & Cramer led the project, using the findings from the Fire Risk Assessments, Fire Door Surveys and Compartmentation Surveys to shape a compliant, risk‑based scope of works.

The team developed a detailed specification for the reconstruction of internal walls, replacement of all door sets and installation of new fire‑stopping measures. Works were carefully phased to avoid disruption to teaching, with intrusive elements scheduled during school holidays. Regular site inspections ensured full compliance with British Standards and ESFA Output Specification requirements.

The Solution

The project delivered a complete upgrade of the ground floor’s fire safety performance. Non‑compliant partitions were removed and rebuilt using metal stud systems with fire‑rated linings, restoring the integrity of compartment lines throughout the area. Ceiling voids were opened, inspected and fitted with new fire stopping to prevent the spread of smoke and heat.

All internal doors were replaced with certified FD30S fire door sets, complete with compliant ironmongery, intumescent strips, smoke seals and appropriate signage. Non‑fire‑rated glazing was removed and replaced with tested fire‑resistant alternatives.

The toilet areas were reconfigured with new fire‑rated partitions, ensuring they no longer compromised protected escape routes. The result is a fully compliant ground floor layout that supports safe evacuation and limits the spread of fire, all through the funding provided by the school.

The Outcome

The block now benefits from compartmentation, certified fire doors and compliant escape routes, significantly reducing risk to life and ensuring the school meets its statutory obligations.

The improvements provide long‑term assurance for the Trust, creating a safer, more resilient environment for pupils and staff and reducing the likelihood of disruption, enforcement action or emergency closures. With both floors now upgraded, the school has a modern, compliant fire safety strategy that will serve the community for many years.