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Exam season in the UK typically runs from early May to the end of June – a period that often coincides with warm and sometimes unpredictable weather. For students sitting GCSEs, A-Levels, and other exams, the pressure is already high.
But when you add an overheated classroom or poorly ventilated exam hall to the mix, you have a recipe for stress, distraction, and underperformance. That’s why many schools and educational facilities across the country are turning to temporary air conditioning hire. Let’s take a look at why air conditioning hire is so important for schools during exam season.
What Temperature Is Too Hot for an Exam Hall?
The UK has no legal maximum classroom temperature. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends a minimum of 16°C for work involving physical effort and 13°C for sedentary work, with reasonable comfort implied above those thresholds. Most education unions and exam boards also consider temperatures above 25°C to be problematic for exam performance.
Studies show that cognitive test scores can decline measurably once room temperatures exceed 25°C. For students sitting GCSE and A-Level exams, where every mark matters, an overheated exam hall is not just uncomfortable, it’s a genuine performance risk that schools have a duty of care to address.
It’s also worth noting that this duty of care extends beyond students. Invigilators and teaching staff who spend hours in the same rooms face the same conditions, and their wellbeing is equally a school’s responsibility under health and safety obligations.
Common Challenges Faced by Schools:
Even in a well-organised school, temperature control can be a major hurdle during exam time. Some of the most common challenges include:
Older buildings with poor airflow:
Many of the UK’s school facilities are decades old, with limited ventilation and no built-in cooling systems. These structures retain heat, especially during prolonged warm spells.
Lack of fixed HVAC systems:
Most schools aren’t equipped with permanent air conditioning due to cost or infrastructure limitations. This leaves classrooms and halls vulnerable to rising temperatures.
Inadequate fan usage in larger exam halls:
Standard fans often fail to cool larger exam spaces effectively and can cause noise disruption. In large venues like gymnasiums or assembly halls, fan-based cooling rarely does the job.
Difficulty ventilating rooms during silent exams:
Keeping windows open can invite in external noise, pollen, or pollution. During a silent exam, even small distractions can have a huge impact – making quiet portable air conditioning units a necessity.
Why Temporary Air Conditioning is the Smart Solution
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Fast setup and removal |
Our portable air conditioning units can be delivered, installed, and removed quickly with minimal disruptions to school operations. Installation can be arranged outside of school hours or between sessions, so lessons, assemblies, and day-to-day routines are not affected. |
| Cost-effective | When you hire air conditioning, you can avoid the upfront costs of permanent systems. Only pay for what you need, when you need it, making it a budget-friendly option for schools managing tight resources across a fixed exam window. |
| Adaptable units | Whether you’re cooling exam halls, staff rooms, IT suites, or anything in between. Our equipment is flexible enough to suit a range of air conditioning hire for schools, colleges and universities, from a single classroom to a multi-venue exam operation. |
| Quiet operation | Our units are engineered to run quietly – an important feature for exam conditions where concentration is critical and even minor background noise can be disruptive. |
| Energy efficiency | Engineered for optimal energy consumption, our units are ideal for helping schools manage costs and reduce environmental impact without compromising on effective cooling. |
Improved Air Quality
Some of our units, including models with advanced HEPA filtration, go beyond cooling to actively improve air quality by filtering allergens and airborne particles. During hay fever season, this can make a meaningful difference to both student comfort and focus.
With the UK’s largest fleet of air conditioner hire, including the popular PAC 22 and PAC 60 units, we’re here to provide tailored solutions for any educational setting.
From left to right: Cyclone Series 2, Turbo Cool Evaporative Cooler, Polar Heat Pump, Polar Breeze Style, PAC 22 Series 2, PAC 60 Series 3 with HEPA Filter.
How Many Air Conditioning Units Does My School Need?
The number and type of units required will depend on several factors, including the size of the space, ceiling height, room layout, and the number of people occupying the area.
As a general guide:
| Space Type | Approximate Size | Occupancy | Recommended Solution |
| Standard classroom | 50 – 70 m² | about 30 students | 1 × portable exhaust tube air conditioning unit (3.5 – 5 kW) |
| Large exam halls / sports hall | 200 m²+ | 100+ students | 3 – 6 × portable units, or split-type system combination |
- For schools looking for a quick and flexible cooling solution, our Exhaust Tube Air Conditioners provide reliable temporary cooling and are easy to position within classrooms and temporary learning spaces.
- For larger or more demanding environments, our Split Type Air Conditioners offer higher cooling capacities with quieter operation, making them particularly suitable for exam halls, libraries, and large educational facilities.
- In spaces where fresh airflow and ventilation are especially important, Evaporative Coolers can also provide an effective and energy-efficient cooling solution.
To ensure the right equipment is selected, we offer a free site survey to assess your environment and recommend the most effective cooling solution for your school.
Our experienced engineers will calculate the correct specification for your space, ensuring maximum comfort and efficiency during warmer periods.
There is no obligation and no charge. Simply call 0800 211 611 or use the link below to arrange a survey at a time that suits your school timetable.
Don’t Wait – Book Ahead for Exam Season
With exam dates fixed and warmer weather often arriving unexpectedly, planning ahead is essential. Securing your air conditioning hire early helps schools avoid last-minute disruption and ensures facilities remain comfortable for students and staff alike.
Here at Andrews Air Conditioning, we’re a trusted provider to schools and educational authorities across the UK. With free site surveys, rapid installation, and expert advice, we’re here to help you choose the perfect units for your specific space.
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Andrews Air Conditioning provides air conditioning hire for schools and education authorities across the UK, with same-day delivery and free site surveys available.
Give us a call on 0800 211 611 or request a free site survey today. |
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FAQs
Is there a minimum hire period?
No minimum hire period applies. Schools can hire units for a single day, for the full exam season, or on a rolling basis. Andrews Air Conditioning will agree on the hire period that suits your timetable.
Can I hire air conditioning for a school that is listed or has planning restrictions?
Yes, portable exhaust tube units do not require any permanent installation or planning permission. They connect via a flexible hose to an existing window or vent opening.
Can air conditioning units be installed without disrupting lessons?
Yes. Andrews Air Conditioning can deliver and install units outside school hours — including evenings and weekends, so there is no disruption to the school day. Units are operational within minutes of installation.
