What Are the Best Lockers for High Schools?
April 15, 2025
A complete guide to choosing the right high school lockers in the UK
Contents
- Why high school lockers matter
- Key factors to consider
- Best locker types by school area
- Case study: a school locker upgrade
- Implementation tips
- How to choose the right supplier
- Conclusion
Why High School Lockers Matter
High school lockers serve as more than just a place to store books and bags. They help define how students interact with their environment. Lockers provide a secure and organised system that supports the daily functioning of a school.
Key roles lockers play:
- Security: Students need a safe place for valuable items such as mobile phones, laptops, and PE kits.
- Organisation: Lockers help reduce classroom clutter by encouraging students to manage their materials responsibly.
- Safety: Proper locker layouts reduce trip hazards and keep corridors clear.
- Identity: Custom-coloured lockers can reinforce school branding and visual identity.
- Durability: High-quality lockers withstand years of daily use with minimal maintenance.
Key Factors to Consider For High School Lockers
1. Material Options
a) Steel Lockers
- Pros: Cost-effective, fire-resistant, strong, easy to repair.
- Cons: Can dent or rust in high-moisture areas.
- Ideal for: General corridor use and dry indoor environments.
b) Laminate Lockers
- Pros: Highly durable, scratch and graffiti resistant, customisable designs.
- Cons: Higher cost and heavier installation requirements.
- Ideal for: Sixth-form areas or design-conscious environments.
c) Plastic (HDPE) Lockers
- Pros: Rustproof, ideal for wet or humid areas, low maintenance.
- Cons: More expensive than steel; slightly bulkier.
- Ideal for: Changing rooms, PE departments, or science labs.
2. Locking Mechanism For High School Lockers
a) Keyed Cam Locks
- Traditional solution with numbered keys.
- Pro: Low cost, familiar.
- Con: Lost keys are common.
b) Combination Locks
- Built-in dials or padlock-compatible options.
- Pro: No keys to manage.
- Con: Forgotten codes may require resets.
c) Digital or RFID Locks
- Uses keypads, cards, or wristbands.
- Pro: High security and full audit trail possible.
- Con: Higher upfront cost, some technical support needed.
d) Coin Return/Retention Locks
- Common in changing areas.
- Pro: Prevents lockers being held long-term.
- Con: Coin/token handling required.
3. Size and Configuration For High School Lockers
| Locker Type | Description | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Single Tier | Full-height lockers | Sports kit, musical instruments |
| Two Tier | Half-height, stacked | General day-to-day student use |
| Three or Four Tier | Compact storage | Books, devices, lunchboxes |
| Z Lockers | Interlocking units | Space-efficient with hanging space |
Tip: Account for hallway traffic and student behaviour. Avoid crowding too many lockers into narrow spaces.
4. Location Requirements For High School Lockers
Corridors:
Use metal or laminate lockers with durable powder-coated finishes.
Changing Rooms:
Plastic (HDPE) lockers with waterproof seals and ventilation are preferred.
Outdoor Use:
Requires weather-sealed lockers with sloped tops, drains, and UV resistance.
Art and Science Labs:
Look for lockers with anti-graffiti and chemical-resistant coatings.
5. Aesthetic Considerations For High School Lockers
Colour coordination and branded locker designs can:
- Reflect house colours or school logo
- Improve student pride and responsibility
- Support wayfinding (e.g., year-group colour zones)
Laminate lockers provide the most flexible design options, including high-resolution graphics and textures.
6. Maintenance and Longevity
Good lockers should last 10–15 years or more, so choose features that reduce the need for repairs:
- Welded frames over riveted
- Replaceable doors and hinges
- Antibacterial powder coatings
- Tamper-proof venting
- Easily replaceable lock mechanisms
7. Costs and Budgeting
Approximate per-unit costs (excluding installation):
| Locker Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Metal (2-tier) | £80–£120 |
| HDPE Plastic | £130–£160 |
| Laminate | £150–£200 |
| Digital Locks (upgrade) | +£40–£100 |
Factor in installation, key replacement, and whole-life cost savings (e.g. reduced repairs or rust resistance).
Best Locker Types by School Area
| School Area | Recommended Locker | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Main Corridors | Metal 2-tier lockers | Standard size, robust, good ventilation |
| PE & Changing Rooms | Plastic single-tier lockers | Waterproof, rustproof, coin locks |
| Sixth Form | Z Lockers or laminate | Stylish, space for coats and bags |
| Music or Art Rooms | Full-height steel lockers | Accommodates equipment |
| Outdoor Access Points | HDPE with weatherproof seals | Durable and secure in all seasons |
Case Study: A School Locker Upgrade
School: Broadfield Secondary School, Oxfordshire
Challenge: Ageing lockers prone to breakage and rust, complaints about narrow corridors.
Solution: Installed HDPE lockers in changing areas and slimline steel lockers in corridors. Upgraded to combination locks for ease of use.
Result:
- Reduced vandalism and maintenance by 50%
- Students more engaged in maintaining locker areas
- Improved flow in hallways by spacing lockers across three corridors
Implementation Tips
- Start with a Site Audit
Map out locker usage needs, corridor widths, and pinch points during break times. - Include Students in the Process
Involving student councils in colour selection or lock style boosts ownership and care. - Plan for Future Expansion
Use modular locker systems that can scale as enrolment increases. - Keep Spare Parts on Hand
Stock extra keys and lock barrels for quick replacements. - Distribute Usage Evenly
Avoid locker crowding by placing banks in multiple buildings or floors.
How to Choose the Right Supplier
When sourcing high school lockers, look for a supplier who offers:
- Free site consultation or CAD layouts
- Expertise in educational environments
- UK manufacturing or warehousing for fast supply
- Lock and key tracking or master key options
- After-sales support and spare parts supply
- Customisable finishes and branding options
Recommended: Total Locker Service
Total Locker Service is a UK-based locker specialist with decades of experience supplying schools across the country. They provide:
- Steel, plastic, and laminate locker options
- Custom lock configurations
- Full key replacement service
- Nationwide installation
- Anti-bacterial and fire-safe options
Find out more at: https://total-locker-service.com
Conclusion
The best lockers for high schools are not one-size-fits-all. They must match your school’s environment, student age group, security policies, and architectural constraints. The right combination of material, size, locking method, and layout can change how students interact with their space. This boosts both safety and student satisfaction.
When planned properly and sourced from a specialist like Total Locker Service, school lockers become a long-term investment. They support learning, organisation, and wellbeing.
Want help choosing the right high school lockers?
Contact Total Locker Service today on 001284 749211 or visit
👉 https://total-locker-service.com
for tailored advice, product options, and a free consultation.