What Ceiling Tiles Are Best for Schools & Universities? A Guide for Ceiling Contractors
Contents
What Ceiling Tiles Are Used in Schools?
Ceiling tiles in educational environments must do more than look good – they need to support learning, meet strict acoustic standards, ensure fire safety, and contribute to energy efficiency. As contractors gear up for the summer refurbishment period, GO Interiors is here to help you choose the right tile for every school space.
Why Acoustics Matter in Schools (Understanding BB93)
Good acoustics are vital for effective learning. Excessive noise and echo in schools hinder concentration, impair speech clarity, and can lead to fatigue for both students and teachers. In the UK, Building Bulletin 93 (BB93) sets the mandatory acoustic performance standards for school buildings, ensuring environments truly support teaching and learning.
- Boosts Learning: Improves speech intelligibility and student focus.
- Reduces Fatigue: Creates a more comfortable space for pupils and staff.
- Ensures Compliance: BB93 is a mandatory standard for school projects.
- Manages Noise: Controls sound within and between teaching areas.
Acoustic Requirements by Space
- Classrooms & Lecture Theatres: Require good speech intelligibility (Class C or A absorption)
- Corridors: Need robust tiles with moderate sound attenuation
- Science Labs: Demand tiles with resistance to moisture & chemicals
- Sports Halls: Benefit from impact-resistant systems
- Libraries: Quiet zones call for superior absorption
Are Ceiling Tiles Energy-Efficient?
Yes – light-reflective ceiling tiles like Knauf TOPIQ® Alpha 15 (86% reflectance) and Rockfon Tropic (high light reflectance, typically around 86%) can enhance natural light distribution and reduce artificial lighting needs, lowering energy bills and supporting sustainability goals. Ecophon Gedina also offers high light reflectance, contributing to brighter, more energy-efficient spaces.
What are Ceiling Tiles Made Of?
Most suspended ceiling tiles are made from mineral fibre, soft fibre, or gypsum-based materials.
- Zentia Aruba is made with recycled newspapers, starch, and calcite – 44% recycled content.
- Knauf TOPIQ® Alpha 15 is made from bio-soluble stone wool and is certified for low VOC emissions.
- Rockfon Tropic tiles are manufactured from stone wool, a non-combustible material known for its excellent acoustic and fire properties.
- Ecophon Gedina products are primarily made from high-density glass wool, offering superior sound absorption and a wide range of aesthetic options, with the visible surface featuring an Akutex™ T coating.
Are Ceiling Tiles Sustainable?
Sustainability is a growing priority in public sector projects.
- Zentia Aruba is recyclable and can be returned through Zentia’s recycling scheme.
- Knauf TOPIQ® Alpha 15 is certified with Blue Angel, Eurofins Indoor Air Comfort Gold, and M1 environmental standards.
- Rockfon products, including Tropic, are fully recyclable and stone wool is a naturally abundant material.
- Ecophon, with products like Gedina, actively works with sustainable raw materials and has a strong focus on circularity and indoor air quality certifications, with products often recommended by the Swedish Asthma and Allergy Association.
How Can GO Interiors Help?
GO Interiors supplies suspended ceiling tiles from all leading manufacturers, with expert support from your local branch. We offer:
- National delivery
- Technical support & specification advice
- Large stock of essential lines, including Zentia Aruba and Knauf TOPIQ® Alpha 15, with access to full ranges from Rockfon (including Tropic) and Ecophon (including Gedina).
- Cost-effective, reliable solutions tailored to education spaces
Summary: Why Ceilings Contractors Choose GO Interiors
✅ Trusted by specialist ceiling installers across the UK
✅ Full range of compliant education-sector ceiling tiles
✅ Quick turnaround and dependable service
✅ Strong relationships with Zentia and Knauf Ceiling Solutions
See our range of suspended ceilings for schools, colleges & universities.
See our full range of suspended ceilings for all applications.
Get in touch for support and technical advice.