Morleys has been at the forefront of learning environments since 1929. With offices in Bicester, Swansea and Haworth, we are respected in the education sector for our knowledge and expertise in furniture supply and design for Early Years through to Higher Education. Our mission is to create inspiring and inclusive learning environments that promote well-being, productivity and creativity through innovative FF&E design solutions and high-quality furniture.
We interviewed our Managing Director, Adam Smith, for his insight on the current UK landscape within educational supplies:
Q. What are the key product or sub-category trends within the education sector right now?
A. We have experienced a decline in schools purchasing general supplies and classroom provisions. Where schools are continuing to invest is the key collaboration areas such as sixth form centres and multi-use areas. We have also seen more refurbishment projects for specialist STEM areas such as Science Laboratories and Design Technology rooms. These are valuable extensions of the learning environment, where schools recognise the importance of creating spaces that support a whole-school approach.
Q. How would you describe the current state of education budgets?
A. Despite news headlines pledging increased Government funding for schools, education budgets remain under strain because of escalating costs. Schools are certainly feeling the pressure of unfunded pay rises, shortfalls in SEND funding and rising operational costs.
In turn this has meant schools are increasingly looking for best value. At Morleys we understand these challenges, having worked in partnership with schools for almost a century, and we look to maximise our customers’ budgets through cost competitiveness, great customer experience, return on investment, and saving schools time by offering our expertise through guidance, advice and industry knowledge when it comes to school furniture and design.
Q. What role is technology playing in the modern classroom, and how is this influencing procurement patterns? Are schools investing more in digital tools, or is there still strong demand for physical products?
A. Our in-house design team is increasingly focused on creating flexible, collaborative spaces that seamlessly integrate various forms of media and technology. We understand the growing need for schools to provide innovative digital environments where students can explore, research, and develop essential digital skills. To support this, we offer a wide range of furniture with built-in power and data capabilities – from charging stations to tech-enabled soft seating.
Our own shift towards digital engagement extends beyond design. We have moved away from traditional printed materials and now prioritise digital marketing channels, allowing us to enhance the customer experience. For example, our design services now include 3D visualisations, giving schools a realistic preview of how furniture and equipment will look in their spaces before making a final decision.
Despite these advances, the UK still faces disparities in technology adoption across schools, with some far better equipped than others. Classroom layouts often remain conventional, in contrast to many European countries, where agile learning environments and integrated technology have been embraced more readily. Whilst UK schools are increasingly adopting digital tools, there is still a strong demand for physical equipment to aid teaching and learning.
Q. Are SEND requirements influencing the type of supplies schools need? If so, which product categories are being affected?
A. Yes, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) requirements are significantly influencing the types of supplies and equipment schools need. As schools strive to create inclusive and supportive learning environments, several product categories are being adapted or expanded to meet the diverse needs of SEND pupils. For example, ergonomic and adaptive classroom equipment. Supportive chairs with an element of mobility to allow for movement and improve concentration, sensory equipment for dedicated sensory rooms where students can de-escalate and feel calm and safe, and modular soft seating to provide areas within the classroom where students can retreat if they are feeling overwhelmed.
Q. Are any recent or upcoming changes in UK government funding or policy affecting how educational supplies are purchased?
A. We have actually just published a blog on the key changes to the Procurement Act and what this means for schools. The Procurement Act 2023, with new changes that took effect from 24th February 2025, marks a comprehensive overhaul of the UK’s public procurement system. This legislation replaces over 350 existing regulations, including the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, which aims to simplify and modernise procurement practices. We have already started to receive tender requests from schools for refurbishment projects that ordinarily would have gone through a three-quote process. Schools want to know they are procuring from reliable and trusted suppliers and achieve best value for money and meet sustainability objectives – all of this is possible via a robust tendering process.
Q. How critical is sustainability in the education sector? Are there specific product types where demand for eco-friendly alternatives is especially strong?
A. Sustainability and reducing carbon footprints are now essential considerations in procurement, not just in education, but across every sector. As a supplier, we take this responsibility seriously and actively demonstrate our commitment by sourcing eco-friendly products and supporting sustainable production practices. All our timber-based products are sourced from FSC® or PEFC-certified suppliers, and we prioritise product ranges made from recycled and recyclable materials. We also partner with manufacturers committed to Net Zero strategies and ensure our packaging is either recyclable or reusable. Schools are becoming increasingly eco-conscious, particularly with larger-scale projects where sustainability is a mandatory criteria in the tender process.
Q. Any particular sales strategies, product ranges or timing considerations that dealers should be aware of when targeting the education market?
A. The key to working successfully with buyers in the education sector lies in taking a true partnership approach – offering genuine value through your products and services, and bringing expert knowledge to provide meaningful support and guidance.
At Morleys, our success is built on the strong relationships and trust we’ve developed with schools, underpinned by the expertise within our team. This allows us to help schools make well-informed decisions about product suitability, quality, and compliance with British Standards. Through our design services, we go further – supporting educational goals and creating inclusive, enabling environments that enhance teaching and learning.
If you have an education project in the pipeline and would like to know more about the benefits of working with Morleys and the service we offer as FF&E design consultants, please get in touch, we would love to hear from you.