Clean Air, Clear Minds: Why Air Quality in Schools Matters More Than Ever

As more and more people talk about education and health, one thing that needs more attention is the air our kids breathe at school. Even though curriculum design and teaching methods are often the main focus, the physical environment, especially the quality of the air inside, has a big effect on how well students do.

Studies now show that clean air is not only good for your health, but also for your performance. People often think of outdoor air pollution, but indoor air, especially in schools, can be just as bad. A lot of the time, classrooms are too full, not well-ventilated, and close to busy roads. The UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) says that air pollution is still a big problem, and that climate change and urban development are making it worse (DEFRA, 2023).

It has a big effect on kids. They breathe faster than adults because their lungs are still growing. This makes them more likely to breathe in pollutants in the air. Nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter are two examples of pollutants that can make it harder to think clearly, lower your ability to focus, and make you miss work because of respiratory illnesses.

Pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter can make it hard to think clearly, lower your concentration, and make you miss work because of respiratory illnesses. Their 2014 report says that students who are physically and mentally healthy are more likely to do better in school (Public Health England, 2014). But bad air quality can make this worse by causing tiredness, headaches, and asthma, all of which can make learning harder.

New studies also show that being in a classroom with high levels of CO₂ for even a short time can make it harder to make decisions and remember things. Basically, students don't learn well when they don't breathe well.

The recent Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill [HL] 2024 in the UK Parliament shows that more and more people are realising how important the environment is in education policy. The bill calls for a comprehensive approach to student health and well-being, which includes the physical conditions of learning environments (UK Parliament, 2024). This legislative momentum shows that schools are moving towards including air quality management in their plans for building new schools.

What can schools do to make the air better?

You don't always have to completely change the school buildings to make the air better. Doing the same simple things over and over can make a big difference:

Regular HVAC maintenance makes sure that filters are clean and systems are running well.

Installing air quality monitors that show CO₂, humidity, and pollution levels in real time. Using plants and green spaces around the school to filter the air naturally. Planned ventilation routines, especially during and after busy times.

Are you ready to make the school a healthier and more productive place? Get in touch with us today to find out how our clean air solutions can help your school do well.

Reference:

Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), Air Pollution: Action in a Changing Climate, DEFRA, London, 2023. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/air-pollution-action-in-a-changing-climate [Accessed 21 May 2025].

Public Health England, The Link Between Pupil Health and Wellbeing and Attainment, PHE Publications, London, 2014. Available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/370686/HT_briefing_layoutvFINALvii.pdf [Accessed 21 May 2025].

UK Parliament, Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill [HL] 2024, House of Lords, London, 2024. Available at: https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/3456 [Accessed 21 May 2025].