If school toilets are not designed to cope with these peak periods, problems appear. Pupils become frustrated, supervision becomes harder, and fittings are put under extra strain. Good design needs to support high volumes of users moving through the space quickly, safely, and with minimal disruption.

The Department for Education sets clear expectations for school toilets, with a focus on safety, supervision, durability, and long-term performance. Washtroughs are widely

Durable materials with hygiene in mind

Education Washtroughs are manufactured from solid surface materials made from premium acrylic polymer minerals. These materials are non-porous, thermal resistant, and shock resistant, making them well suited to high-use school toilets.

Seamless joins and concealed waste options help reduce dirt traps. Smooth surfaces are easy to wipe clean, helping schools maintain high hygiene standards throughout the day.

The material choice also supports long-term durability. Washtroughs are designed to cope with frequent use and regular cleaning without losing their appearance or performance.

Built for long-term value

specified because they help manage these peak demands while supporting good hygiene and efficient layouts.

Education Washtroughs are suitable for a wide range of settings. They can be specified in nurseries, primary schools, secondary schools, colleges, and universities. Their flexible design makes it possible to use the same solution across different age groups or adapt it to suit individual spaces.

Designed for busy school toilets

Washtroughs allow several pupils to wash their hands at the same time. This helps reduce waiting during lesson changes and break times and improves traffic flow through school toilets. Handwashing is clear and visible, which supports good hygiene and makes supervision easier.

Open and clear layouts also help staff oversee spaces without needing to enter them. This is especially important in primary schools, where visibility and reassurance matter.

Flexible design that meets DfE guidance

Venesta’s Education Washtroughs are designed to meet DfE requirements while allowing flexibility for different projects. Troughs can be specified in custom lengths up to 3000mm for a single unit. Where longer runs are needed, multiple units can be joined on site.

A choice of profiles allows designers to select wall mounted or deck mounted taps. Washtroughs can be installed using underframes, panels, or cantilever brackets, depending on the space available and the overall look of the school toilets.

Correct height selection is important. Lower heights suit younger children, while higher troughs work better for older pupils and students. In shared settings, a mix of heights can be specified to support inclusive use

Durability and low maintenance are key considerations for education projects. Education Washtroughs are designed to last, helping reduce repairs and replacement over time.

Their long lifespan and minimal maintenance needs make them a cost-effective solution for school toilets, particularly where budgets must perform over many years.

With over 50 years’ experience working with schools and education settings, Venesta’s Education Solid Surface Washtroughs combine modern design with proven performance and full DfE compliance.

Early discussion at specification stage helps ensure the right profile, length, height, and finish are selected. When specified well, washtroughs help school toilets cope with peak use, support hygiene, and deliver long-term value.

For more information on DfE-compliant washtroughs for school toilets, visitwww.venesta.co.uk/products/vanity-units/education-washtroughsor call 01474 353333.