Transforming Learning Environments with Vacuum Glazing
At St Winifred’s Roman Catholic Primary School in Stockport, something quietly transformative has taken place. The school’s Year 5 and 6 classrooms, once known for being freezing in winter and stifling in summer, have been completely renewed through a new aluminium curtain wall installation fitted with PassivGlas™ vacuum glazing.
For the pupils and teachers who spend their days there, the difference is hard to miss. Lessons that used to wilt under the heat or chill of the seasons now take place in calm, balanced spaces where the temperature simply feels right. Outside noise that once crept in during playtime or traffic peaks has faded into the background, leaving classrooms calmer, more focused, and noticeably happier places to learn.
Listening to the people inside the classrooms
Headteacher Mrs Alicia Duffy called the transformation “life-changing.” She spoke of how, for years, teachers had struggled to deliver their best lessons in rooms that were too hot or too cold, and how pupils’ concentration often dropped as the temperature rose. Now, with PassivGlas™, those daily challenges have disappeared.
Children themselves noticed it first. One pupil explained that lessons feel quieter and it’s “a lot easier to concentrate now,” while another said that before, “it was really noisy when children played outside, but now it’s much quieter and I can focus better on my work.” Teachers see it too, calmer classes, less fatigue, and a steady, comfortable rhythm to the school day. Parents have shared their own praise, commenting on how fresh and modern the school now looks.
Backing a bigger mission: Supporting the Diocese of Salford’s Net Zero Mission
This project is more than a comfort upgrade. It’s part of the Diocese of Salford’s net zero vision, led by Bishop John Arnold. St Winifred’s is proud to be the first school in the country to trial PassivGlas™, aligning its daily teaching environment with a wider goal of sustainability and self-sufficiency. As Mrs Duffy put it, “We feel incredibly privileged” to be leading the way.
Why PassivGlas™?
PassivGlas™ isn’t ordinary glass. It’s an ultra-efficient vacuum glazing system that locks in warmth, keeps out noise, and helps to prevent overheating – all within an elegant, slim design that fits both modern and heritage frames. For schools, that means stable temperatures all year round and less need for heating or cooling systems, lowering energy use and costs.
A Future-Focused Upgrade
The results at St Winifred’s speak for themselves: quieter, greener, more comfortable classrooms where pupils can thrive. What began as a simple window upgrade has become a step toward a more sustainable, self-sufficient future for schools everywhere.
👉 Discover how PassivGlas™ can help your school or workplace create calmer, cleaner, and more energy-smart spaces.