🏫 School Locker Sizes Explained: Choosing the Right Height, Depth & Lock Type (UK Guide)

The definitive UK guide to school locker dimensions, heights, depths, and lock types — covering Primary, Secondary and Sixth Form/College. Learn which sizes fit backpacks, coats, laptops, PE kits and devices to avoid costly specification mistakes.

📍 Table of Contents

• Primary & Nursery Locker Sizes
• Secondary School Locker Sizes
• Sixth Form & College Locker Sizes
• Complete UK Locker Size Chart
• Lock Type Comparison Table
• Device & Backpack Sizing Guide
• FAQ

🧒 Primary & Nursery (Ages 4–11)

🎨 Best Locker Heights

Locker Height	Why It Works
900 mm tall	Safe reach for younger children
1200 mm tall	Ideal for mixed Key Stage 2 usage

📐 Recommended Depth

Depth	Suitable For
320 mm	Coats, lunch bags, book bags
450 mm	Bulky coats, backpacks, sports bags

Tip: If bags are stored inside lockers, choose 450 mm depth. If stored elsewhere, 320 mm is ideal.

🔐 Best Lock Types for Primary

Lock Type	Why It Works
Swivel Hasp (Padlock)	Low risk of key loss, teachers can override
Mechanical Code Lock	No keys, shared codes possible

🚫 Avoid individual key locks; younger students lose keys frequently.

👦👧 Secondary School (Ages 11–16)

📏 Best Locker Heights

Height	Usage
1800 mm	Corridor storage for all students
1500 mm	PE & sports changing areas

Full-height lockers support 1–6 compartments per column, depending on volume.

📐 Depth Advice

Depth	What It Fits
450 mm	Backpacks, coats, books
500 mm	Sports gear, winter coats

Most UK secondary schools choose 450 mm.

🔐 Best Lock Types for Secondary

Lock Type	Benefit
Key Lock	Secure individual storage
Combination Lock	No key loss, strong security
Coin Return / RFID	Best for changing rooms

🎓 Sixth Form & Colleges (16+)

💻 Why Sizing Changes

Older students store laptops, large backpacks, sports kits and personal devices. Lockers must support technology, security and long-term storage.

⚡ Charging Locker Sizes

Feature	Minimum
Depth	450 mm
Socket	USB + 3-pin
Ventilation	Required

🔐 Best Lock Types for Sixth Form

Lock Type	Benefit
Digital PIN	No keys, full security
RFID/Smart Card	Works with student ID cards
High-security key	For labs and high-value tools

🔎 Complete UK Locker Size Chart (All School Levels)

Age Group	Height	Depth	Typical Use
Nursery	900 mm	320 mm	Coats + lunch
Primary	900–1200 mm	320–450 mm	Bags + coats
Secondary	1500–1800 mm	450–500 mm	Books + backpacks
Sixth Form/College	1500–1800 mm	450–500 mm	Charging + tech

🔐 Lock Type Comparison for Schools

Lock Type	Primary	Secondary	College	Pros	Considerations
Key Lock	❌	✔	✔✔	Secure, simple	Keys lost easily in younger years
Swivel Hasp (Padlock)	✔✔	✔	✔	Low key loss	Requires padlocks
Mechanical Code	✔✔	✔	❌	No keys	Shared codes possible
Digital PIN	❌	✔	✔✔	High security	Higher cost
RFID/Smart Card	❌	✔	✔✔✔	Works with ID cards	Requires system

🧪 How to Size Lockers Based on Bag & Device Dimensions

📚 Backpacks: Minimum 450 mm depth

💻 Laptops: 450 mm depth + ventilation + socket

🏅 Sports Gear: Choose 500 mm depth for bulky items.

📍 Recommended School Locker Ranges

🧾 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

❓ What is the standard UK school locker size?
For secondary schools, the most common size is 1800 mm height × 450 mm depth, with 1–6 compartments.

❓ Do primary school lockers need keys?
No — swivel hasp or mechanical code locks avoid key loss and improve safeguarding.

❓ Should colleges use charging lockers?
Yes, most colleges benefit from secure laptop and tablet charging lockers.