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School & Classrooms
Classroom acoustics are one of the most under-addressed factors in school performance. UK research has shown that in poor acoustic conditions, up to 70% of consonants spoken by a teacher can be unheard by pupils at the back of the room, and primary school children's task performance drops by up to 25% when working against background noise. The Department for Education's Building Bulletin 93 (BB93) sets out mandatory acoustic standards for school buildings — including a maximum reverberation time of 0.6 seconds in standard classrooms and 0.8 seconds in larger teaching spaces. Effective acoustic treatment is how schools meet those standards.
Classroom acoustic panels play a vital role in creating better learning environments by reducing echo and background noise. Many classrooms have hard surfaces such as plaster walls, windows, and tiled floors that reflect sound, making it difficult for teachers and students to communicate clearly. Installing acoustic panels for classrooms absorbs these reflections, improving speech intelligibility and focus, which directly supports learning outcomes and comfort.
Designed for schools, colleges, and nurseries, classroom acoustic panels are lightweight, durable, and available in a wide range of colours and finishes. Panels can be mounted on walls or ceilings to control sound reflections without taking up valuable floor space. In larger or open-plan classrooms, ceiling baffles and hanging rafts are ideal for tackling reverberation while maintaining a bright and open feel. Many designs can even incorporate educational artwork or colour themes to enhance visual appeal and create an engaging learning atmosphere.
Acoustic panels are made from safe, non-toxic materials such as recycled polyester (PET) or mineral wool, meeting UK fire and health standards. They require minimal maintenance and are resistant to marks and impacts, making them ideal for busy school environments. In addition to improving communication and reducing listening fatigue, better acoustics also contribute to calmer behaviour and concentration. Teachers can speak comfortably without strain, and students benefit from clearer instruction and reduced noise distractions. If your learning spaces feel loud or echoey, classroom acoustic panels are an affordable and long-lasting way to enhance both comfort and performance. Contact us to learn more about solutions for classrooms and educational settings.
Ecophon 'Hygiene Performance A T24' - 20mm Thick - Sold in Packs
The Ecophon Hygiene Performance A ceiling tiles offer excellent sound absorption, hygienic surfaces, humidity resistance, and fire safety, making them ideal for environments requiring strict hygiene and acoustic control, such as healthcare and labs.
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Ecophon 'Hygiene Advance T24' - 20mm Thick - Sold in Packs
The Ecophon Hygiene Advance A ceiling tiles offer high sound absorption, chemical resistance, and impermeability, making them ideal for hygiene-critical environments like hospitals and food processing areas requiring frequent cleaning and sterilization.
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Ecophon 'Akusto One' Circle Acoustic Wall Panels - Multiple Sizes
Ecophon Akusto One SQ wall panels are designed for outstanding acoustic performance, with a unique absorbing glasswool core which is highly effective. Sold as Packs of 2. Connect One Fixings included
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Ecophon 'Master A' Ceiling Tiles 1200mm x 600mm
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Ecophon 'Master A' Ceiling Tiles 600mm x 600mm
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Ecophon 'Solo' Baffle - Suspended Acoustic Ceiling Baffle - Multiple Sizes (Sold in Packs)
SOLO Baffles are vertically installed ceiling baffles which suspend from the ceiling using hangers, and are used to allow access lights and services.
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About SONIO
As the world of acoustics has grown, so has the demand for fast, affordable and attractive solutions to common acoustic issues. Sonio was launched as an accessible supplier of acoustic panels which are simple to install, but also provide effective sound absorption to reduce reverberation within your space. With over a decade of experience specialising in acoustics, our team can provide you with clear recommendations on what works and what doesn't.
FAQs
Do my classrooms need to comply with BB93?
Do my classrooms need to comply with BB93?
For new school buildings and significant refurbishments, yes — BB93 (Acoustics of Schools: a design guide) is referenced by the Building Regulations and is mandatory. For existing schools doing piecemeal acoustic improvements, BB93 isn't strictly enforced retrospectively, but it remains the recognised UK standard and is what most schools, academies and local authorities aim for when specifying treatment. BB93 sets specific reverberation time limits — 0.6 seconds for standard classrooms, 0.8 seconds for larger teaching spaces, 1.0 seconds for sports halls, 1.5 seconds for swimming pools — alongside ambient noise level limits and sound insulation requirements. If your project requires formal BB93 compliance certification, our sister company Resonics carries out acoustic surveys and certifies installations to meet these standards.
Why are classrooms so reverberant?
Why are classrooms so reverberant?
Most classrooms combine the worst possible acoustic ingredients: hard plastered walls, large windows, vinyl or tiled flooring, and a flat ceiling — all reflective surfaces. With minimal soft furnishings, sound bounces between these surfaces for 1-2 seconds before fading, well above the BB93 limit of 0.6 seconds. The result is reduced speech intelligibility, increased background noise, and the documented effect that significant proportions of what teachers say genuinely doesn't reach students at the back of the room.
Will acoustic panels make the classroom soundproof?
Will acoustic panels make the classroom soundproof?
No. Acoustic panels absorb sound within the room to reduce echo and reverberation. They don't block sound transmission between rooms or from outside. If your problem is noise from a neighbouring classroom or corridor, that's a soundproofing problem requiring different solutions (acoustic plasterboard, resilient bars, sealed doors). BB93 covers both reverberation control and sound insulation between spaces — the two need different treatments.
How much does classroom acoustic treatment cost?
How much does classroom acoustic treatment cost?
For a standard classroom (around 50-60m²), expect to spend £1,500–£3,500 on materials for treatment that brings reverberation into the BB93 target range. This typically means a combination of ceiling rafts and wall panels at the rear of the room. Larger spaces — assembly halls, dining halls, sports halls — scale up significantly: £5,000–£15,000+ depending on volume. Our acoustic calculator gives a tailored material list for your specific space.
How quickly will we notice the difference?
How quickly will we notice the difference?
Almost immediately — usually on the first day of teaching after installation. A typical untreated classroom has a reverberation time of 0.9-1.2 seconds, well above the BB93 limit. Bringing that down to 0.5-0.6 seconds — the BB93 target range — produces a dramatic improvement that teachers describe as "the room finally sounds calm." Vocal strain on staff drops noticeably, students at the back can hear instructions clearly, and the persistent low-level chaos that comes from echo simply stops.
How many panels do I need?
How many panels do I need?
For a standard classroom, 25-35% coverage of total wall and ceiling area typically brings reverberation into the BB93 target range. BB93 specifically recommends sound-absorbing material on the rear wall and ceiling as priority surfaces — these have the biggest impact on speech intelligibility. For a 60m² classroom, that's roughly 15-20m² of panels. The acoustic calculator gives a precise figure based on your specific room.
Are panels school-grade and impact-resistant?
Are panels school-grade and impact-resistant?
Yes. Several products in our range are specifically designed for educational environments — including SilentSpace impact-resistant panels and Ecophon's Akusto and Master ranges. These are tested for daily use in busy learning spaces and stand up to the occasional ball strike, displaced furniture or general wear and tear. For sports halls and PE areas, we recommend products rated for ball-strike resistance specifically.
Can panels match our school's design or branding?
Can panels match our school's design or branding?
Yes. Panels are available in 25+ stock fabric and PET felt colours, plus printable options that can carry school logos, educational graphics, house colours, or visual learning aids. Many schools use the rear classroom wall as a printed acoustic feature — improving sound quality and reinforcing identity. Lead times for custom prints are typically 6-10 weeks; stocked colours ship in 2-3 weeks
Are school acoustic panels fire-rated and safe?
Are school acoustic panels fire-rated and safe?
Yes. Every panel we sell carries a UK/EU fire classification suitable for educational buildings — typically Euroclass B-s1,d0 or higher under BS EN 13501-1. School and local authority specifications often require specific Euroclass ratings; certification documents are available for any project. Materials are non-toxic and low-VOC, suitable for use around children.