Polytunnels for Schools
Give pupils a space to grow, discover and learn together, bringing lessons to life through hands-on gardening, fresh food and outdoor learning throughout the school year.
A growing space for curious minds
More than a place to grow plants, a school polytunnel is a space to ask questions, try new things and learn together. From a first seed-sowing session to a shared harvest, it gives pupils a project they can help shape and care for.
Hands-on learning
A school polytunnel turns everyday lessons into practical discoveries. Pupils can sow seeds, investigate what plants need to grow and follow the changes from the first shoot to the final harvest.
Measuring growth brings maths to life, while observation journals, plant labels and garden-inspired artwork offer opportunities for English and creative activities. Working together on a shared growing project also gives children responsibilities they can take pride in. Explore more fun learning activities.
Growing fresh food
Help children follow the journey from seed to plate by growing fruit, vegetables and herbs of their own. Sowing, watering and harvesting give pupils a practical understanding of where food comes from and the care involved in producing it.
The harvest can become a starting point for conversations about healthy eating, seasonal ingredients and reducing food waste. Whether produce is enjoyed at school or taken home, there is plenty to celebrate. Find inspiration for gardening in schools.
Learning throughout the year
A sheltered growing space extends the season and gives pupils reasons to return throughout the school year. Each term offers something different to observe, record and discuss as crops develop and the seasons change.
Plan activities around your school calendar, from spring sowing and summer harvests to autumn planting and winter observations. Short visits can become part of a lesson or gardening club, with watering and holiday care built into the plan.
Options for different spaces
A school growing space can take many forms. We have supplied polytunnels on grass, soil, tarmac and paved areas, with growbags or raised beds creating opportunities to grow on hard surfaces.
Think about how your pupils will use the space: small-group activities, a gardening club or a larger outdoor classroom. The layout can be planned around growing beds, clear paths and access needs. Our team can help you explore options for your site and the activities you have in mind.
Planning your school polytunnel
Start with how your school will use the space. These six points will help you prepare.
Choose the right size
Consider the available ground, growing beds, paths and the number of pupils using the tunnel at one time. Plan for small groups or whole-class activities.
Plan access and paths
Think about door access, space to move between beds and the needs of pupils, staff and wheelchair users.
Consider your site
Note the surface, available sunlight, water supply and access for construction.
Allow for ventilation
Consider how doors and ventilation will be managed during the school day, particularly in warmer weather.
Plan watering and holiday care
Decide who will water, ventilate and check crops during weekends and school holidays. Explore our irrigation options.
Arrange installation
Ask about our construction service and discuss access, ground preparation and timing for your school.
Choose Your School Polytunnel
Explore our range of polytunnel widths to find a growing space for your school. Select a product to choose your length and explore the available options. For a quote, simply add your chosen polytunnel to your basket and download your quote.
-
6ft (1.83m) Wide Polytunnel
From £442.00 View Product -
8ft (2.44m) Wide Polytunnel
From £567.00 View Product -
10ft (3.05m) Wide Polytunnel
From £594.00 View Product -
12ft (3.66m) Wide Polytunnel
From £650.00 View Product -
14ft (4.27m) Wide Polytunnel
From £1,051.00 View Product -
16ft (4.88m) Wide Polytunnel
From £1,602.00 View Product -
18ft (5.49m) Wide Polytunnel
From £2,033.00 View Product -
20ft (6.1m) Wide Polytunnel
From £2,262.00 View Product -
22ft (6.71m) Wide Polytunnel
From £2,456.00 View Product -
24ft (7.32m) Wide Polytunnel
From £2,534.00 View Product -
26ft (7.92m) Wide Polytunnel
From £3,123.00 View Product -
28ft (8.53m) Wide Polytunnel
From £3,179.00 View Product -
30ft (9.14m) Wide Polytunnel
From £3,244.00 View Product
Discover Schools Growing with First Tunnels
Explore our interactive map to discover schools with a First Tunnels polytunnel in your area.
School polytunnels in action
Explore photographs from our school polytunnel gallery. Select a photograph to take a closer look.
School polytunnel FAQs
What size polytunnel is best for a school?
The right size depends on your available space and how you plan to use it. Allow room for growing beds, pathways and pupils working together. Our team can help you explore suitable sizes for gardening clubs, small groups or larger learning activities.
Why should our school have a polytunnel?
A polytunnel gives pupils a practical space to grow plants, discover where food comes from and learn together. From sowing their first seeds to harvesting vegetables, children can take an active role in a project that develops throughout the school year.
Do you offer installation for school polytunnels?
Yes. Our construction service can help with installing your school polytunnel. Contact our team to discuss your chosen tunnel, site access, ground preparation and installation requirements.
Can we use a school polytunnel throughout the year?
Yes. A polytunnel provides shelter for growing and learning across the seasons. Choose crops suited to the time of year and remember that an unheated polytunnel can still experience frost, so tender plants may need extra protection.
How much maintenance does a school polytunnel need?
Regular tasks include watering, weeding, checking for pests and managing ventilation. Create a simple rota so staff and supervised pupils can share suitable jobs, with someone responsible for checking the tunnel during weekends and holidays.
How can a polytunnel support the school curriculum?
Pupils can investigate plant growth in science, measure crops in maths and keep growing journals in English. Designing plant labels, planning beds and exploring the journey from seed to plate also create opportunities for art, design and food education.
What can children grow in a school polytunnel?
Salad leaves, radishes and herbs are rewarding starting points, while tomatoes, cucumbers and strawberries offer plenty to observe as they develop. Choose a mix of crops, with sowing and harvesting times that fit your school calendar.
Can a polytunnel be installed on a school playground?
Yes, polytunnels can be installed on suitable hard surfaces as well as grass or soil. Raised beds, containers and growbags provide growing space where planting directly into the ground is not possible. Speak to our team about your surface and fixing requirements.
Can we plan the layout for wheelchair access?
Discuss access requirements before choosing your polytunnel. Door openings, firm and level paths, turning space and the height of growing beds all need consideration to help pupils and staff use the space comfortably.
How do we look after plants during the school holidays?
Plan holiday care before planting. A watering system can help, but someone should still check the plants, water supply and ventilation. Choosing crops that can be harvested during term time also helps pupils enjoy the results of their work.
How do we manage ventilation in warm weather?
Polytunnels can heat up quickly in sunshine. Make ventilation checks part of your daily routine and arrange for a responsible adult to manage doors and vents. Consider ventilation options when choosing your tunnel.
How can we get a quote for a school polytunnel?
Choose your polytunnel size and options, add it to your basket and download your quote. If you need help choosing a specification or would like to discuss installation, our team will be happy to help.
Free Resources for School Growing Projects
Bring learning to life with our downloadable guides, packed with practical ideas to help pupils explore, grow and learn in your school polytunnel.
