Safety First: Meeting School Standards
In a school setting, safety isn’t negotiable. Every surface has to be compliant, consistent, and child‑friendly.
- Critical Fall Height protection — We install shock pad underlays tested to BSEN 1177 standards, reducing injury risk from falls up to 3m.
- Non-slip, non-abrasive surfaces — Kinder on skin than tarmac or bark, with fewer grazes from trips or slides.
- Chemical-free play — No pesticides, fertilisers, or weedkillers, so pupils aren’t exposed to harmful substances.
Whether it’s under climbing frames or around sports equipment, our installations are designed to keep children safer while they learn and play.
Low Maintenance, Big Savings
Natural grass demands regular mowing, watering, feeding, and reseeding. For schools, that means:
- Grounds staff hours tied up in upkeep
- Ongoing costs for fuel, fertiliser, and irrigation
- Play areas out of action during maintenance
Artificial grass eliminates all of that. Once installed, it stays green and usable year‑round with only light brushing and occasional cleaning. Many schools recoup their installation cost within a few years through reduced maintenance budgets.
All-Weather, All-Year Play
In the UK, rain is the biggest disruptor of outdoor time. With the right drainage system, our synthetic turf dries quickly — so no muddy patches, puddles, or rained‑off PE lessons. From hockey to netball to football, surfaces remain consistent in performance, whatever the season.
Explore our sports turf options for MUGA courts, 3G and 4G pitches, and other all‑weather sports installations.
Versatile Spaces: Playgrounds, Sports, Outdoor Learning
Artificial grass isn’t just for flat fields:
- Playgrounds — Colour zones, educational markings, and sensory play areas
- Multi‑Use Games Areas — One surface for multiple sports, marked to suit your curriculum
- Outdoor classrooms — Comfortable, low‑maintenance flooring for lessons outside
We tailor every school and nursery installation to your available space, learning goals, and budget.
Built to Last in Busy School Environments
Hundreds of pupils can put any surface to the test. Our installations are designed for heavy daily use:
- 10‑year grass warranty
- 3‑year guarantee on groundwork
- Dense, UV‑stable fibres that resist flattening under constant footfall
This isn’t budget roll‑out turf. It’s engineered to look good and perform well for the long haul.
Eco Benefits for Schools
- Cuts water usage to zero for lawn care
- Removes the need for petrol‑powered mowers
- Reduces chemical run‑off from pesticides and fertilisers
- Many components can be recycled at end‑of‑life
Real-World Example: From Muddy Field to Year-Round Play
A Greater Manchester primary school approached us with a problem: their main play field was unusable for half the year due to drainage issues. We installed a shock‑pad‑backed artificial grass system over a re‑graded base. The result?
- Zero playtime closures in the following winter term
- Staff reporting cleaner classrooms and fewer muddy uniforms
- Parents praising the school’s investment in active play
How to Plan Your School’s Switch
We make the process simple:
- Free site survey & consultation — We assess your space and recommend the right products
- Flexible scheduling — Installations planned for school holidays or weekends
- Funding support — Advice on working with PTAs, grants, and staged projects
School Artificial Grass FAQs
We’ve installed school‑safe turf across Greater Manchester, Bury, Bolton, Rochdale, Oldham, and Prestwich. Here are the most common questions we hear from schools planning a switch.
Is artificial grass safe for schools?
Yes — when installed with the correct shock pads and to BSEN 1177 standards, artificial grass provides a soft, non‑slip, chemical‑free surface ideal for children.
How long does school artificial grass last?
With proper installation and light upkeep, our school‑grade turf lasts 10 years or more, even under heavy daily use.
Do schools need shock pads under artificial grass?
If play equipment is present or the surface is used for active sports, shock pads are strongly recommended to meet fall‑height safety standards.
Whether you’re looking to upgrade a small nursery play area or a full‑sized sports pitch, we can help you plan, fund, and install a surface that lasts.
Ready to Make the Switch?
As Good As Grass has installed safe, low‑maintenance surfaces for schools, nurseries, and universities across the UK. From small play areas to full sports pitches, we’ll deliver a surface that works hard for your pupils — and your budget.
📞 Call 0161 207 3007 or request your free school survey today.
