Typical school energy consumption
Consumption depends heavily on school size, age of buildings and whether facilities such as a swimming pool or extensive sports provision are present.
| School type | Electricity (kWh/yr) | Gas (kWh/yr) |
|---|---|---|
| Small primary school | 40,000 - 90,000 | 60,000 - 140,000 |
| Large primary/small secondary | 90,000 - 200,000 | 140,000 - 300,000 |
| Secondary school with sports/pool facilities | 200,000 - 500,000+ | 300,000 - 700,000+ |
What drives the cost
- Space heating across classrooms, halls and corridors
- Kitchen facilities preparing meals for pupils and staff
- Sports halls, gyms and, where present, swimming pools
- IT suites and increasing use of classroom technology
- Lighting across large single-storey or multi-storey buildings
Gas versus electricity split
Gas typically represents the larger share of school energy spend where central heating is gas-fired, often 55 to 65 percent of total consumption in colder months. Electricity use is more stable year-round, covering lighting, IT and kitchen equipment.
Term-time and holiday consumption patterns
Energy use drops during school holidays but does not fall to zero, since heating is often maintained at a reduced level to prevent damp and frost damage, and some facilities may host holiday clubs or community lettings. This pattern should be reflected accurately in consumption estimates used for contract quotes.
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Standing charges and procurement
Standing charges reflect the connection capacity needed for large school buildings, and many schools, particularly academies, procure energy through framework agreements or multi-academy trust arrangements that can offer improved rates through combined buying power.
Contract length and renewal timing
Schools commonly fix contracts for 1 to 3 years, often aligning renewal timing with the academic or financial year for budgeting purposes. Renewal comparisons should begin at least 4 to 6 months ahead of contract expiry given the scale of most school sites.
How to compare school energy prices
- Provide consumption data covering both term-time and holiday periods
- Check whether procurement through a framework or trust arrangement is available
- Confirm heating type and any pool or sports facility consumption separately
- Align contract renewal timing with the academic or financial year where possible