Every new school year is a good opportunity to check the condition of the school furniture and get the classroom ready before the pupils arrive. You don’t always need to buy everything new: sometimes it’s enough to check what you already have, reorganise the space and only add what’s really missing.

Below is a handy checklist to help you get everything ready before the first day of term.

1. Check the condition of the existing furniture

Before bringing in new equipment, it is worth reviewing the existing items and checking which ones are still useful. Often, the furniture is still functional and only needs a minor adjustment or to be moved to a different location, so it is a good idea to spend a few minutes checking the condition of all the furniture from last term:

✅ Check that chairs and tables are in good condition, with no loose parts or wear and tear that could pose a risk.

✅ Check whether the dimensions are still suitable for the age group that will be using the classroom this term.

✅ Identify which items have become obsolete or are no longer fit for purpose and should be replaced.

2. Make sure you have the essential furniture: desks and chairs

Having suitable desks and chairs is essential for a comfortable and functional classroom. If there is not enough furniture or it is not suited to the pupils, any other improvements lose some of their impact:

✅ A sufficient number of desks and chairs for the class, with room for any new pupils.

✅ Sizes suited to the pupils’ age and height, particularly if the class has moved up a year group.

✅ Durable materials, designed to withstand daily use throughout the school year.

3. Don’t forget about storage

A good storage system makes it easier to keep things tidy on a day-to-day basis and prevents materials from piling up on desks or makeshift shelves. It also helps to keep the classroom organised throughout the school year and ensures that both teachers and pupils can find everything where it belongs:

✅ Sufficient cupboards and shelves for teaching materials, books and pupils’ work.

✅ Storage areas accessible to the pupils themselves, which encourage their independence.

✅ Separate spaces for teachers’ and pupils’ materials.

4. Define the different areas of the classroom

The layout of the space has a direct influence on how work is carried out within the classroom. Defining the different areas before the start of the term allows for better use of every corner and enables the furniture to be adapted to the activities that will take place:

✅ Individual work area, with tables arranged effectively and good lighting.

✅ Group work area, with furniture that allows tables to be pushed together or moved around easily.

✅ A reading or relaxation area, if the classroom allows for it, to add variety to the school day.

5. Organise the space with the first day in mind

The finishing touches matter too. Preparing the classroom before the pupils arrive helps to convey a sense of order from day one and avoids having to improvise during the first few days:

✅ Arrange the furniture according to the dynamics you want to encourage from the start (individual work, group work, whole-class sessions, etc.).

✅ Keep the aisles between the desks clear so you can move around the classroom easily.

✅ Check that all materials are to hand and clearly labelled, so you don’t have to improvise during the first few days.

A well-prepared classroom, a better start to the term

You don’t always need to completely refurbish your classroom every September: with this checklist, you can identify which furniture you need, prioritise your purchases and prepare a more comfortable, safe and functional space to start the new school year.

At Mirplay School, we help you equip your classroom with all the essentials to get the new school year off to a good start.