London Modular Classrooms
London has 32 boroughs and the City of London, each its own planning authority and education authority. Primary rolls in many inner boroughs are falling, so London projects are less about bulge classes and more about SEN places, secondary capacity in some outer boroughs, and replacing old buildings on very tight sites. The building costs the same as elsewhere; getting it on to the site is what differs.
- Local authorities
- 32 boroughs and the CityEach handles planning and school places
- New double classroom
- From £180,000Building only, excluding VAT
- Time on site
- 1 to 2 working daysCrane day, then fit-out
- Delivery vehicles
- ULEZ appliesLondon-wide emission standards
Getting a modular building on to a London site
This is where London projects differ most from the rest of the country, and where the extra cost sits.
| Issue | Why it matters in London | What to ask suppliers |
|---|---|---|
| Crane position | Many schools are hemmed in by housing, with no room in the playground for a large mobile crane | Where the crane will stand, and whether a road or pavement closure is needed |
| Road closures and licences | Borough highways teams, and Transport for London on red routes, license closures, cranes and pavement use | Who applies, how much notice is needed, and who pays |
| Module size | Narrow streets and tight turns can limit lorry and module length | Whether smaller modules or a panel system would suit better |
| Emission zones | ULEZ covers all of Greater London, and the central congestion charge adds a daily cost | Whether delivery vehicles are compliant and charges are in the price |
| Neighbours | Early crane lifts beside housing need notice and sometimes agreed working hours | A delivery plan and a letter for neighbours |
Where London demand is now
Falling birth rates and families leaving inner London have left many primary schools with spare places, and some boroughs are merging or closing schools. At the same time, demand for SEN places keeps rising across London, and some outer boroughs still need secondary places.
- Resourced provision and SEN bases in mainstream schools, commissioned by the borough.
- Satellite classes for special schools, often on a mainstream school site.
- Replacing 1960s and 1970s blocks and old temporary classrooms.
- Decant classrooms during rebuilding under the School Rebuilding Programme.
- Nurseries and early years rooms.
Planning rooms at a London school? Send the postcode and we will look for a supplier who knows your borough.
Ask for a free quotePlanning in the boroughs
Your borough council is the planning authority. Class M permitted development can cover many permanent school buildings in England, including London, within its limits, but many London schools are in conservation areas or near listed buildings, and tight sites often push a building close to a boundary. Expect more projects to need a full application here than elsewhere, and allow 8 to 12 weeks.
Building regulations apply in the normal way, through the borough's building control service or a registered building control approver.
What modular classrooms cost in London
The building costs the same as elsewhere in the UK. London adds cost through cranes, road closures, licences and restricted working hours, so budget a larger allowance for site works than the national starting prices suggest.
Typical UK prices from published price lists we reviewed, October 2026. Building only: groundworks, crane, delivery and connections are extra. A guide, not a quote, excluding VAT.
| Item | Typical figure |
|---|---|
| New single classroom Published starting price, building only | From £108,000 |
| New double classroom Published starting price, building only | From £180,000 |
| Refurbished single classroom Published starting price, building only | From £82,000 |
| Hire, single classroom About 64 m², plus delivery and collection | From £275 a week |
Questions from London schools
Are modular classrooms more expensive in London?
The building itself is priced the same as elsewhere: from £108,000 for a new single classroom. Site works cost more, because of cranes, road closures, licences, parking and restricted hours, so London budgets need a larger allowance on top.
Do I need a road closure to install a modular classroom in London?
Often, if the crane or lorry cannot get into the school grounds. Closures and crane licences come from the borough, or from Transport for London on red routes, and need weeks of notice.
Can a modular classroom go on a playground?
Yes, if the school can spare the play space and the ground can take the foundations. Check that outdoor space stays adequate for the number of pupils, and whether Class M permitted development or a planning application applies.
Who funds SEN bases in London schools?
Usually the borough, through high needs capital, when it commissions resourced provision. Agree place numbers and the budget with the borough before you ask suppliers to price.
Ask for modular classroom prices in London
Three short steps: where the school is, what you need, and how to reach you. About two minutes.
Thanks, your enquiry is in.
- Within one working day we will email or call to tell you which modular building supplier covers your area.
- Your details reach that firm only if you say yes.
- They look at the site and give you a fixed price. No marketing from us, ever.