Across the UK, schools are facing unprecedented challenges rising teacher attrition, record levels of pupil absence, an increase in exclusions, and a growing number of families opting for home education. Amid this turbulent landscape, one question rises to the surface:
What kind of learning environment truly supports the well-being and success of both pupils and staff?
The answer may be simpler and more natural than we think.
Welcome to the transformative world of Biophilic Design.
Why Change is Urgently Needed
Recent data paints a sobering picture, nearly 40,000 teachers left the profession in 2022/23 alone, this was excluding retirements, in addition to the 40,000 there is an estimated 36% of educators who plan to leave in the next year, citing stress, workload and a lack of belonging.
The picture is also bleak for pupils, 1 in 5 pupils in England are now persistently absent from school. There is a rise in permanent exclusions, with more than 10,000 pupils removed from mainstream education annually with some pupils as young as six.
In addition to this data, over 97,000 children are now home educated, many due to dissatisfaction with school environments.
These figures point to more than policy or curriculum issues they reflect an environment that is no longer supporting the emotional, mental and physical well-being of those within it.
What is Biophilic Design?
Biophilic Design integrates natural elements such as plants, sunlight, natural textures, water features and organic shapes into buildings and learning spaces. It’s more than aesthetics; it’s about reconnecting people with nature to support health, creativity, and community.
In schools, this might look like:
Classrooms filled with natural light and calming materials
Green walls and indoor plants that purify the air and reduce stress
Outdoor learning gardens with water and sensory trails
Soft, nature-inspired colours and textures
Thoughtfully designed quiet spaces for regulation and reflection
How Biophilic Schools Support Well-being and Belonging
For Pupils
- Emotional Regulation: Natural spaces help reduce anxiety and support self-soothing and self-regulation; both are crucial for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) or pupils who have experienced various trauma related difficulties.
- Improved Attendance: Pupils are more likely to want to attend school in environments that feel safe, engaging, and welcoming.
- Enhanced Focus & Learning: Daylight and natural views boost cognitive function, memory and attention spans.
- A Sense of Belonging: A school that feels nurturing fosters stronger peer relationships and inclusion.
For Staff
- Reduced Stress and Burnout: Teachers report lower cortisol levels and improved mood in biophilic settings.
- Better Retention: A school that values well-being through design sends a clear message: we care about our educators.
- Workplace Satisfaction: Access to nature and calm spaces helps teachers reset between lessons and manage the demands of the day.
For the Whole School Community
- Fewer Behavioural Incidents: Calmer, nature-integrated spaces lead to fewer triggers and smoother transitions.
- Inclusive Design: Biophilic features can support neurodiverse learners and those with additional sensory needs.
- Positive School Culture: Pride in the physical environment often translates to improved morale, motivation and connection.
Reimagining Schools as Places of Healing and Growth
In a time when both children and teachers are leaving the system in search of something better, it’s time to rethink what “better” could look like.
Biophilic Design isn’t a luxury; it’s a response to a very real need. When we create learning environments that reflect the calming, restorative qualities of nature, we cultivate spaces where young people feel safe to learn, grow and belong and where staff feel supported to stay which also impacts their sense of belonging.
Our Mission: Helping Schools Thrive, Naturally
We help schools integrate Biophilic Design in ways that are practical, affordable and tailored to your setting. Whether you’re redesigning a new school, a single classroom or looking to embed nature into your entire existing campus bringing nature in as well as out, we can deliver:
- Biophilic Innovations are a biophilic turnkey organisation offering end-to-end services which include: design, technical design, build, project management, biophilic education and culture change
- We reimagine education spaces for the future.
- We design every space using the 15 core biophilic design principles, which focus on nature in the space, nature of the space, and natural analogues. These principles ensure our environments feel uplifting, deeply connected to nature and support both physical and mental wellbeing.
- We are driven by a passion for always doing better, not just repeating what’s always been done. We combine innovation with a deep understanding of how nature positively influences everyone on a subconscious level.
- We deliver practical design recommendations based on your budget and needs
- Our approach brings wellbeing to the forefront of design, transforming how children, young people and teachers feel, connect, and perform within their learning environments. These are not just buildings or classrooms. They are living, breathing spaces that support focus, calm, creativity and joy.
- A long term plan for creating sustainable, nurturing environments and culture change.
- Visioning workshops with your team
Let’s Build the Schools Our Children Deserve
Every child and every teacher deserve to feel they belong. Let’s bring nature back into education one space at a time.
Contact us today to explore how Biophilic Design can help your school flourish.
Featured Case Studies: Real Schools, Real Impact
St Mary’s Academy, UK
Innovaré’s timber‑framed, net‑zero carbon school exemplifies biophilic architecture with sustainable materials and generous daylighting. The school was designed so that symbolic and direct elements of nature foster emotional restoration and motivation among students.
Putney High School (London, UK)
As part of their BREATHE programme, this school experimented with murals and indoor plants in Sixth Form classrooms. They found measurable improvements in air quality and psychological well‑being students and staff commented on a sense of calm and enhanced oxygen for learning.
École Au Millénaire (Quebec, Canada)
These classrooms integrate exposed timber, natural hues, daylight, and organic forms. Designed specifically around developmental stages from nature appreciation to communication skills students and staff report increased focus, belonging and reduced stress levels.
Independent Schools (UK)
Examples of schools using wooden beams, greenery and organic shapes in libraries, labs, and reception areas show how environmental design enhances well‑being and creative engagement.
Evidence-Based Benefits of Biophilic Design in Education
- Multiyear research in Italy (ages 6–11) found that after adding biophilic features to classrooms, students showed improved attention, restorative feelings and stronger connections with nature.
- A 2024 review of school projects confirms biophilic architecture significantly reduces stress, elevates mood and enhances cognition, leading to higher test scores and emotional calm.
- Studies show environments rich in nature related stimuli support identity formation and optimism in adolescents.
- Biophilic design also supports physical health, lower blood pressure, fewer illness days and improves indoor air quality by eliminating VOCs and using natural materials.