Secondary School Playground Equipment

When it comes to creating engaging, practical and purposeful secondary school playground equipment, Fawns is the name schools trust.

With over 28,000 playgrounds designed and installed across the UK, we bring a wealth of experience and expert knowledge in physical development to every project.

But it’s not just our designs that set us apart; it’s the way we work. A huge number of our projects come through word of mouth and recommendations, and that’s something we’re incredibly proud of. Why? Because it means our clients are genuinely happy with the results and the journey getting there.

From the first sketch to the final sign-off, we make the process simple, collaborative and stress-free.

Rethinking the Secondary PE Curriculum

Let’s be honest, secondary school PE is often stuck in a rut. Ofsted’s PE subject review highlighted a key concern: students are exposed to lots of different sports, but they’re not mastering the fundamental movement skills needed for lifelong physical activity. Balance, coordination, and agility are the building blocks, and they’re getting missed.

That’s where secondary school playground equipment can make a difference. By giving students access to movement-based outdoor spaces outside of the sports hall or gym, we can reinforce those core skills in a way that’s informal, accessible and fun.

Think MUGAs, outdoor health trek trails, or multi-functional outdoor gym rigs, all designed to support the fundamentals while helping teens build confidence in their own movement.

Supporting Pupil Mental Health and Wellbeing

Teenagers are going through a lot. Between hormonal shifts, academic pressure, body changes, and the challenges of social media, it’s no wonder mental health concerns are rising among young people. The good news? Physical activity is a proven way to support better mental wellbeing.

Creating spaces with outdoor gym equipment for secondary schools encourages movement, fresh air, and screen-free time. It’s not about making every student an athlete, it’s about giving them an outlet.

Whether it’s a solo workout, a chat while using an outdoor cross-trainer with a friend, or a moment to de-stress between lessons, these spaces can make a real difference.

Helping Young People Learn to Manage Stress

Exams. Friendships. Hormones. Part-time jobs. There’s a lot on the average teenager’s plate. More than ever, students need tools for managing stress and anxiety, and physical activity is one of the most powerful, proven methods.

Outdoor fitness zones give young people a safe, welcoming space to let off steam. Whether that’s playing traditional sports in a MUGA, Enjoying a calisthenics workout, or using outdoor gym equipment, exercise is a natural way to help regulate emotions and boost resilience. It’s active stress relief, built into the school day.

Making Exercise Accessible to All Students

Let’s face it, gym memberships are expensive. Factor in the travel time, the cost of equipment or kit, and the time pressures of homework or part-time jobs, and suddenly fitness becomes a luxury not every teen can afford.

That’s where outdoor gym equipment for secondary schools comes in. By bringing fitness facilities right to the school site, you remove the barriers. There’s no fee, no travel, no excuses.

Our steel and timber gym units are robust, weather-resistant, and designed to offer a mix of cardio, strength and flexibility exercises, all in a safe, supervised environment.

It’s a brilliant way to level the playing field and make health and fitness a realistic goal for every student, not just a privileged few.

Helping Teens Discover Fitness Through Calisthenics

Bodyweight fitness is booming, and for good reason. Calisthenics (think pull-ups, dips, planks and other non-equipment moves) is a cost-effective, inclusive, and engaging way for young people to get strong and stay active.

We’re seeing more and more schools request secondary school playground equipment that includes calisthenics bars, wall-mounted grip challenges, monkey bars and step-up stations. It’s low cost for the school, low barrier for the user, and high impact for fitness.

Whether it’s introduced through PE, used informally at lunch or linked to school clubs, calisthenics equipment offers a brilliant entry point into lifelong physical health.

More Options for Active School Clubs: Before, During and After School

With the right equipment in place, your outdoor space becomes more than a breaktime destination, it becomes a true extension of your PE curriculum and enrichment programme.

Whether it’s early morning fitness sessions, lunchtime drop-in circuits or after-school calisthenics clubs, having secondary school playground equipment that doubles as an outdoor gym opens up a whole range of activities.

And if you’re aiming to engage your least active pupils? Think about a girls-only club or mindfulness-themed sessions using quiet, private zones for gentle movement.

You don’t need a massive space or a huge budget. You just need the right equipment in the right place.

Ready to Upgrade Your Secondary School Playground?

If you’re looking to boost pupil fitness, support wellbeing, and give your students the space they deserve, Fawns is ready to help. From bespoke steel gym units to mixed-material movement zones, we design everything in-house.

Let’s create something that works for your space, your students, and your school’s goals.

Get in touch for a free consultation today.