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Types of classroom storage.
Different classrooms have very different storage needs. A primary classroom storing reading books and art materials needs a different solution to a secondary science lab storing equipment and hazardous materials. Nortek manufactures storage across all these contexts, built to the same standard with fully welded frames and a lifetime warranty.
Tray storage units are the most widely used classroom storage solution in UK primary schools. Each pupil or group is assigned a tray to store their books, folders, and personal materials. Nortek’s tray units are available in multiple configurations, from compact six-tray units to larger thirty-tray banks, with a choice of tray sizes to suit everything from reading books to A3 folders. Units can be stacked and added to as your classroom layout changes.
Cupboards provide closed, secure storage for classroom supplies, stationery, and confidential materials. Our range includes single and double-door options, with lockable versions available wherever sensitive materials need to be kept secure. Low-level cupboards double as additional workspace surfaces, while full-height units maximise vertical space in smaller rooms. All Nortek cupboards use fully welded frames and are available in a range of finishes to match your classroom scheme.
Mobile storage trolleys are ideal for classrooms where flexibility matters. A trolley that can move between rooms or be repositioned during a lesson gives both teachers and pupils more options. Our trolleys are available in tray, box, and open shelf configurations, with lockable castors to hold the unit in position when needed. They are particularly popular in primary schools, DT departments, and shared resource areas.
Specialist classrooms such as DT workshops, science labs, and art rooms need storage that is built into the room rather than placed on top of it. Nortek manufactures underbench storage units designed to sit beneath fixed or freestanding workbenches, providing organised, accessible storage for tools, equipment, and materials at the point of use. Lockable options are available for workshops storing sharp tools or chemicals.
Art departments and DT rooms have specific storage requirements that general-purpose units rarely meet. Portfolio storage needs to protect large, flat work without bending or creasing. Paper and card stock needs to be kept dry and dust-free. Nortek’s art and portfolio storage range is designed specifically for these environments, with slot-in portfolio units, plan chest alternatives, and wide-format tray options.
Classroom storage by school type.
Storage requirements vary significantly by school type and pupil age. The right solution for a reception classroom is very different from what works in a secondary science department. Browse by school type to find the storage range most relevant to your setting.
Primary School Storage
Primary classrooms typically need high-capacity tray storage for pupil materials, colourful open shelving for books and resources, and cloakroom storage for bags and coats. Robustness is essential at this age group: units need to withstand repeated daily use from young pupils. Our primary school storage range covers all these needs, with safety-first designs throughout.
Secondary School Storage
Secondary schools need a more varied storage mix. General classrooms need lockable teacher storage, pupil tray systems, and book storage. Science labs and DT workshops need specialist underbench and tool storage. Sixth form and common room areas benefit from locker-style personal storage. Nortek has the product to suit your needs.
Early Years Storage
Early years classrooms need low-level, open storage that children can access and return independently. Bright colours, clear labelling, and accessible heights all support the development of self-management skills. Our early years storage range is designed for nursery and reception settings, with rounded edges and child-safe finishes throughout.
What to look for when buying school storage.
Not all classroom storage is built to the same standard, and the differences matter when you are buying furniture that needs to last ten years or more in a busy school environment. Here is what to check before you commit.
The frame is what determines longevity. Storage units with fully welded steel or solid MFC (melamine-faced chipboard) frames significantly outlast units with knock-down fixings or plastic corner joints, which loosen over time with repeated use. At Nortek, our storage range is built to last, and every piece is backed by our warranty.
Schools grow and change, and storage needs change with them. Modular storage systems that can be extended, reconfigured, or added to give you far more flexibility than fixed single-unit solutions. When specifying classroom storage, think about not just what you need today but whether the system can be expanded as pupil numbers or subject requirements change.
Lockable storage is more of a requirement rather than an option in certain classroom contexts. Science labs storing chemicals, DT workshops with sharp tools, and any area where confidential pupil records or staff belongings are kept all require lockable units. Our range includes lockable options across cupboards, underbench units, and mobile trolleys. If you are unsure which units in your specification need locks, our team is here to help.
Ordering, delivery and installation.
Nortek Group manages the full process from enquiry to storage installation. Once you confirm your specification, we agree a lead time and arrange delivery and assembly using our own, experienced, installation team. Most standard orders are completed within four to six weeks.
If your school is planning a storage refurbishment for the summer, place your order by the end of June to guarantee installation before the new term begins. Purchase orders are welcome and flexible payment options are available.
Contact our team below for a quote. We respond within two working days.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common types of school storage are tray storage units, open shelving and bookcases, lockable cupboards, mobile trolleys, underbench workshop storage, and cloakroom units. Primary schools rely heavily on tray systems and low-level open storage. Secondary schools use a broader mix, including specialist lab and workshop storage, locker-style personal storage, and larger lockable cupboards. Early years settings need low-level, child-accessible units with safety-first designs throughout.
Tray storage is a system of open-fronted plastic or wooden trays held within a freestanding unit or stack, used to give pupils individual storage space for their books, folders, and materials. Each tray is typically assigned to one pupil or group. Tray units are one of the most widely used classroom storage solutions in UK primary schools because they are accessible to children, easy to label, and available in a wide range of sizes and configurations to suit different classroom layouts.
For most primary classrooms, a combination of tray storage units, low-level open shelving, and a lockable cupboard covers the majority of storage needs. Tray units give each pupil their own dedicated space; open shelving provides accessible storage for shared books and resources; and a lockable cupboard keeps teacher materials and confidential records secure. Mobile trolleys are a practical addition for classrooms that need to move resources between rooms or reconfigure layouts regularly. Our team can help you plan a storage specification for your specific classroom size and year group.
Not all school cupboards need to be lockable, but certain contexts make it essential. Any cupboard storing confidential pupil records, personal belongings, medication, sharp tools, or hazardous materials should have a lockable option. In science labs and DT workshops, lockable storage is a health and safety requirement. In general classrooms, lockable options are recommended for teacher storage even where pupil materials are stored in open units. Nortek offers lockable configurations across our full cupboard range.
Yes. Because Nortek manufactures in-house at our factory in Congleton, Cheshire, we can produce storage units to non-standard dimensions, with specific configurations, or in finishes matched to your existing classroom furniture. Schools come to us for bespoke storage when they need units built into an alcove, storage to fit beneath existing benching, or a configuration not available from catalogue suppliers. Get in touch to discuss your brief and we will come back with a specification and price.
Learn more about classroom storage.
