Sedbergh School, founded in 1525, has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence, sporting achievement and innovation in education. Situated on the edge of both the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District National Parks, the school combines its historic heritage with a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. As part of a wider energy reduction strategy, the school sought ways to improve environmental performance while creating brighter and more comfortable learning environments for students and staff.

Improving access to natural daylight within classroom environments was a key objective, helping to enhance student wellbeing and reduce reliance on artificial lighting. However, the flat roof construction of several teaching areas limited the use of conventional daylighting solutions such as windows and rooflights. The school also required a solution that would support modern teaching methods, allowing daylight levels to be adjusted during presentations, multimedia lessons and examinations.

Challenge

As part of a broader sustainability and energy management strategy, Sedbergh School wanted to introduce natural daylight into flat-roof classroom spaces without significant structural disruption. The solution needed to improve daylight availability, reduce daytime energy consumption and create a more comfortable learning environment.

At the same time, classrooms required flexibility for a variety of teaching activities. While natural daylight was desirable for everyday learning, staff also needed the ability to control light levels when reduced illumination was required for audiovisual presentations, assessments and other classroom activities.

Solution

Solatube Daylighting Systems were selected for their proven ability to deliver natural daylight into interior spaces while supporting energy efficiency goals. The project incorporated five Solatube 330 DS daylighting systems from the SolaMaster® range, installed directly into the flat roof by the school's in-house maintenance team.

Square prismatic diffusers were specified to integrate seamlessly with the existing suspended ceiling layout, maintaining a consistent appearance throughout the classrooms. To provide additional flexibility, electric daylight dimmers were also installed, allowing teachers to adjust daylight levels as required while retaining the benefits of natural daylight.

Results

The installation has significantly improved the quality of the classroom environment, creating brighter and more comfortable learning spaces that support student focus, wellbeing and engagement. By reducing reliance on artificial lighting during the day, the systems also contribute to lower energy consumption and support the school's wider sustainability objectives.

Staff feedback highlighted both the effectiveness of the daylighting systems and the simplicity of installation, with many commenting on the impressive amount of natural light delivered into previously enclosed spaces. The addition of daylight dimmers has ensured the classrooms remain adaptable to a wide range of teaching activities.

Conclusion

This project demonstrates how Solatube daylighting solutions can help educational facilities achieve sustainability goals while enhancing learning environments. By delivering controllable natural daylight into flat-roof classrooms, the installation successfully balances environmental responsibility with the practical requirements of modern education.

The project also highlights how daylighting systems can be integrated into existing buildings with minimal disruption, helping schools improve wellbeing, reduce energy use and create more engaging spaces for learning.

Project Details

Client: Sedbergh School, Cumbria, UK
Product: 5 x Solatube SolaMaster® 330 DS (530 mm diameter system)
Solatube Distributor: Solalighting Limited
General Contractor: Solalighting Limited