Purleigh Community Primary School faced issues with a heating system that was long past its serviceable life. Multiple surveys including mechanical engineers, chartered building surveyors and local authority assessments had all reached the same conclusion: the system was life‑expired, unreliable and at serious risk of imminent failure. Frequent leaks, corroded pipework, failing boilers and obsolete controls were causing major disruption to the school day, with some classrooms unable to reach the minimum temperatures required under workplace regulations.

The school faced rising maintenance costs, increasing energy waste and the constant threat of closure if the system failed completely. With clear evidence of urgent need, the project was submitted for CIF funding and has now been successfully delivered.

Project Need

The existing heating system was more than 25 years old, with some elements dating back over half a century. Pipework had corroded from the inside out, radiators were leaking or inoperative, and the boilers were inefficient and difficult to repair due to obsolete parts. The lack of zoning meant some classrooms overheated while others remained cold, and the school was regularly unable to maintain the minimum 16°C required for safe teaching conditions.

The system’s deterioration was also causing damage to floors, carpets and decorations, with leaks becoming increasingly frequent. Reactive maintenance costs were rising year on year, and the school’s energy performance had suffered significantly.

Our Approach

Working alongside the school’s leadership team, Munday & Cramer developed a renewal strategy that replaced every failing component of the system. The design introduced modern, energy‑efficient plant, improved circulation and control, and ensured the school could maintain safe, comfortable temperatures throughout the year.

The project was carefully planned to minimise disruption, with works phased to avoid impacting teaching wherever possible.

The Solution

The completed scheme delivers a fully modernised heating system built around air source heat pumps, high‑efficiency boilers and a complete replacement of the school’s ageing pipework. New BMS controls now allow the school to manage heating zones intelligently, responding to occupancy and preventing unnecessary energy use. New heat emitters with thermostatic controls provide consistent, comfortable temperatures across all classrooms, improving both wellbeing and concentration for pupils and staff.

Outcomes & Benefits

The school now benefits from a reliable, sustainable and future‑proof heating system. Temperatures across the building are consistent, energy consumption has reduced and the risk of leaks or system failure has been eliminated. The upgrade has significantly lowered running costs, improved thermal performance and reduced the school’s carbon footprint. Most importantly, it has created a warm, safe and stable learning environment that supports pupils throughout the year.