They may be nothing more than wooden or metal storage cupboards, but school lockers pose a valuable psychological benefit in the educational environment. The average U.K class size ranks amongst the highest in the world – approximately 26 pupils per class – meaning social development and enhancement of self-directed behaviour is beneficial.
- In bustling schools where privacy is at a premium, school lockers provide a small amount of valuable personal space. Caring for this space, understanding that it’s a privilege, not a right, and sensibly policing the low level responsibility of a personal locker can be superb training for adult life.
- In all schools, things get lost from time to time. School lockers equal enhanced security. It’s a common understanding that very valuable items should not be brought to school. However, lockers can prevent needless theft, vandalism and crimes of opportunity in connection with things like school books, coats and so on.
- Organisational skills are valuable throughout life. Instead of carting their books around in a huge bag, use of a locker encourages independent forward planning in terms of what will be needed and when.
- Time management is a skill many young people are said to lack. Keeping lesson tools etc. in school lockers encourages students to manage their time effectively. For example, there’s a ten minute break between biology and drama – is that enough time to visit the locker and collect the necessary copy of The Importance of Being Ernest?

