Improving Accessibility Through Acoustic Design: St Augustine’s CE School
◆ Overview
Simple Acoustics partnered with St Augustine’s CE School to address significant acoustic challenges affecting their Deaf Student Provision (DSP). The project focused on improving sound quality across key communal and learning spaces to create a more inclusive, accessible environment for all students.
◆ The Challenge
Students within the Deaf Student Provision faced daily difficulties accessing lessons and social spaces due to poor acoustics. Classrooms, particularly science rooms, made it harder for students to follow teaching, while communal areas such as the Atrium and stairwells created overwhelming noise levels.
The dining area was especially problematic, with constant background noise making it difficult for deaf students to communicate with peers. This led to feelings of isolation, discomfort, and reduced engagement during what should be social and relaxing times. While the school had some acoustic considerations in place within the DSP itself, wider areas had not been treated, impacting students’ overall experience and wellbeing.
◆ The Solution
Following successful funding approval, Simple Acoustics carried out a comprehensive acoustic treatment programme across the school. This included treating the Atrium, hallways, stairwells, and multiple classrooms with poor acoustics. Each space was carefully assessed to ensure the most effective solution was applied, reducing noise levels while maintaining the functionality and flow of busy school environments. The installation was completed efficiently during the summer period, ensuring minimal disruption.
◆ The Results
The impact of the project was significant, with noticeable improvements in noise levels, student wellbeing, and overall engagement across the school. Deaf students reported feeling happier, less anxious, and more confident in both learning and social settings. Improved acoustics enabled them to better access lessons, participate in conversations, and engage with their peers — resulting in increased academic progress and self-esteem.
The benefits extended beyond the Deaf Student Provision, positively impacting all students, including those with additional needs such as autism, and contributing to a calmer, more controlled school environment.
“I began to realise the challenges our Deaf students face when accessing lessons, especially in classrooms with poor acoustics… The Atrium — the dining area — tends to be very noisy. The clatter of cutlery, chairs dragging along the floor and general noise made this environment almost unbearable for our deaf students.”
“A bid was submitted to the LA and we secured funding for acoustic treatments, completed by Greg and his team. We treated the whole Atrium, the hallways on the ground floor, the stairwells and a number of classrooms. The feedback from students and staff has been very positive, with drastic changes in noise levels across the school. The Deaf students feel happier, less anxious and more confident — it enabled them to Hear, Engage, Access, Learn and Progress.”
“Finally, behaviour across the school improved, and many teachers commented that students were calmer and more in control of their voice volume.”
