Find your School Hall in London

School Halls Hire Guide

School halls are versatile spaces that can be hired for a wide range of events – they're the perfect place for indoor sports, rehearsals, theatre workshops, guest lectures and much more. Still wondering whether you should hire a school hall for your next event? We’ve listed our favourite things about school halls below.

The pros of hiring a school hall in London:

• Low cost – hiring a school hall in London is good for your budget, because with wide variety come low prices. For the school it’s an additional source of income, and for you it’s great value for your money. Choosing a school hall over another venue type will help you save a lot. So what’s not to like?
• Choice of locations – no matter if it’s east, west, north or south London you’re interested in, we’ve listed great school halls for hire all over the city. Our smart search engine makes browsing all of these locations easy and simple.
• Adaptability – it’s probably the biggest advantage of school halls in London. You could think of any event or any theme and easily accommodate the space to your needs. Putting up the decorations and changing the seating layout of the hall is quick and easy. Time to get creative!

Things you need to consider when you hire a school hall in London:

• Alcohol licence – most schools have special rules when it comes to that. If you plan to host a drinks reception in a school hall, you’ll probably need to obtain an occasional licence.
• Additional spaces – find out if there’s a cloakroom adjacent to the hall. You might also need some additional breakout spaces. For example, if you plan to host a performance, for instance a play, in the school hall, it would be useful to have a separate room for preparations.
• Accessibility – if there are any guests with disabilities that are going to attend your event, double check if the school hall you’ve chosen is fully wheelchair accessible.

Why you should consider hiring a school hall in London for your event

Discovering the ideal venue for your event amidst the vibrant cityscape of London can feel like a thrilling adventure. Amidst the many options, school halls emerge as hidden gems, offering versatile spaces that can cater to many event types. Whether planning a dynamic conference, an immersive workshop, a lively concert, or a community gathering, hiring a school hall can be the key to unlocking your event's full potential. But before you decide, let's delve into what makes these spaces so special and how you can ensure you find the perfect fit for your needs.

• Venue Location: Picture this: Your event is buzzing with excitement, with attendees arriving from all corners of the city eager to experience what you have in store. That's the magic of choosing a school hall in a prime location in London. With convenient access to public transportation hubs, including tube stations, bus stops, and major roadways, getting to your event is a breeze for everyone involved. And let's not forget about the surrounding area, with plenty of parking available for those arriving by car. It's all about setting the stage for an unforgettable experience right from the moment they arrive.
• Facilities and Amenities: Let's talk about what sets these school halls apart from other event venues: their top-notch facilities and amenities. Sure, they may be primarily used for educational purposes, but don't let that fool you—these spaces are equipped with everything you need to elevate your event to the next level. These venues have got you covered, from advanced audiovisual equipment to seamless Wi-Fi connectivity and comfortable seating arrangements. And if that's not enough, some school halls offer additional perks like catering services, breakout rooms for brainstorming sessions, or picturesque outdoor spaces for post-event mingling. It's all about making your event a seamless and unforgettable experience for you and your guests.
• Size and capacity: Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or a grand spectacle, there's a school hall in London that's just the right size for you. The possibilities are endless, from cosy spaces perfect for small groups to large auditoriums capable of accommodating hundreds of guests. And with customisable seating arrangements, you can design the space exactly how you envision it, ensuring a memorable experience for all.
• Cost and Budget: Let's talk numbers because we know that budget considerations are top of mind when planning any event. But fear not, choosing a school hall in London doesn't mean breaking the bank. In fact, these venues offer exceptional value for money compared to other options in the city. However, it's essential to do your homework and carefully review the rental fees and any additional costs associated with the venue. From amenities to staffing to cleaning services, it's all about finding the perfect balance between quality and affordability. 
• Flexibility and Policies: When choosing a school hall for your event, it's essential to familiarise yourself with the venue's policies and regulations. From noise restrictions to alcohol guidelines to equipment usage, knowing what you're getting into from the get-go is important. But don't worry—these venues are here to work with you every step of the way. Whether you need to make last-minute changes to your event plans or have special requests that need accommodating, they're here to make it happen. It's all about ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience for you and your guests from start to finish.
• Community Engagement and Support: Choosing a school hall for your event isn't just about finding the perfect venue; it's about positively impacting the community and supporting local educational institutions. By choosing to host your event in a school hall, you're not only investing in your success but also in the future of students and staff alike. And let's not forget about the unique opportunities for collaboration and partnership that come with it. 

School halls offer a winning combination of convenience, affordability, and community impact when finding the perfect venue for your event in London. By carefully considering factors like location, facilities, cost, flexibility, and community engagement, you can unlock the city's best school halls and create an unforgettable experience for you and your guests. So, what are you waiting for? It's time to make your event dreams a reality and leave a lasting impression on everyone who attends.

Decorating Tips and Ideas for Transforming School Halls into Spectacular Event Spaces

When it comes to hosting events, school halls in London offer an array of opportunities. Whether it's a prom night, a graduation ceremony, a fundraising gala, or a themed party, these versatile spaces provide the perfect canvas for creativity and imagination. Here, we delve into some decorating tips and ideas to help you make the most of these school halls for any occasion while staying within budget and embracing DIY charm.

1. Understand the Theme:

Before diving into decorations, it is crucial to understand the main idea behind your event's theme. Whether it's a masquerade ball, a retro disco, a Hollywood glamour affair, or a whimsical garden party, aligning your decorations with the theme sets the stage for a cohesive and immersive experience.

2. Utilise Lighting Creatively:

Lighting plays a pivotal role in setting the mood and ambience of any event. Experiment with different lighting techniques, such as string lights, paper lanterns, or LED spotlights, to add warmth and depth to the space. Consider incorporating coloured gels or filters to match the theme's palette and create a captivating visual impact.

3. Embrace DIY Decorations:

Injecting a personal touch through DIY decorations adds character and helps stretch your budget. Use recycled materials or inexpensive craft supplies to create handmade banners, paper garlands, and centrepieces. Encourage students, teachers, and volunteers to join in the fun of creating bespoke decorations tailored to the event's theme.

4. Play with Fabrics and Textures:

Layer fabrics and textures to create a sensory wonderland in your school hall. Drape sheer curtains or fabric panels to soften harsh edges and create a sense of intimacy. Incorporate tablecloths, runners, and chair covers in coordinating colours and patterns to elevate the overall aesthetic while concealing any worn-out surfaces.

5. Statement Centrepieces and Props:

Make a bold statement with eye-catching centrepieces and props that serve as focal points throughout the space. Whether you choose to use towering floral arrangements, themed sculptures, or interactive photo booths, these elements add depth and intrigue to the decor while providing memorable experiences and photo opportunities.

6. Customise Signage and Graphics:

Guide guests seamlessly through the event with custom signage and graphics that reflect the theme and branding. Design directional signs, welcome boards, and photo backdrops adorned with thematic motifs, fonts, and colours to enhance cohesion and reinforce the event's identity.

7. Incorporate Interactive Installations:

Use interactive displays spread around the school hall to engage guests and spark conversation. From themed art installations and projection mapping to immersive VR experiences and interactive games, these installations entertain and create memorable moments that leave a lasting impression.

8. Greenery and Floral Accents:

Bring the outdoors inside by incorporating lush greenery and floral accents into the decor. From potted plants and hanging terrariums to floral arches and living walls, botanical elements infuse freshness and vitality into the space while adding natural beauty and charm.

9. Budget-Friendly Options:

Stretching your budget doesn't mean compromising on style or impact. Opt for cost-effective alternatives such as renting decor items, repurposing existing materials, or sourcing decorations from thrift stores and DIY markets. Get creative with upcycling projects and repurpose everyday objects into unique decor pieces that reflect the event's theme.

10. Personalise and Customise:

Above all, infuse the decor with elements that reflect the personality and values of the school community. Incorporate student artwork, achievements, and milestones into the decor to foster a sense of pride and belonging. Personalise details such as table settings, favours, and signage to create a memorable and meaningful experience for attendees.

FAQs about School Halls in London

What is the cost of hiring a school hall in London?

School halls are one of your most affordable options when searching for a venue to hire. The majority of school halls for hire in London operate on hourly fees, which can range anywhere from £26 to £300. If you wish to book a venue that charges you for a set duration of time, prices will vary between £720 and £2,640 per session. Some school halls offer per person packages, which tend to stay around the £60 price point. (All data from Tagvenue.)

What events can school halls be used for?

If you’re looking for some ideas, you’ve come to the right place! There’s plenty of things a school hall can be used for. For starters, halls that have auditoriums are a great option for conferences, meetings, workshops, and seminars. Because many of these venues are equipped with a stage, you can also host all kinds of performances and rehearsals, including plays, concerts, and recordings. The versatility of school halls combined with their large surfaces allows you to turn them into perfect settings for receptions, product launches, award ceremonies, or even exhibitions.

What are the best school halls for hire in London?

Here is a list of some of the top-rated school hall venues in London that are available on our website:

• Main Hall at London Academy of Excellence Tottenham is situated next to White Hart Lane. It’s a large, versatile space that can accommodate up to 350 people for an array of events, including meetings, parties, and performances. The venue has been rated 4.9/5 stars.
• Old Harrovian Room at Harrow School boasts gorgeous, traditional interiors that are the perfect backdrop for elegant dinners and receptions for up to 120 guests. This venue has a perfect 5/5-star rating!
• Keith Chapman Room at Katherine Low Settlement is a well-equipped space located in Battersea. With a capacity of 70, it’s a great choice for meetings, fitness classes, children’s parties and more! It’s rated 4.7/5 on our website.
• Weston Hall at University of West London - Ealing Site boasts a flawless 5/5-star rating. You can host a variety of events here, including concerts and exhibitions. This incredibly modern venue can accommodate up to 300 people.

What are the potential noise restrictions when booking a school hall in London?

When booking a school hall in London, potential noise restrictions may vary based on the specific location and local regulations. Generally, noise restrictions are in place to ensure minimal disturbance to nearby residents. It's advisable to inquire about any specific rules or limitations regarding noise levels during booking. Some schools may have strict policies in place to mitigate noise disruptions, particularly during evening or weekend events. Additionally, be mindful of any applicable noise ordinances the local council sets. For more information on noise regulations in London, you can refer to the official website of the London Borough Council - Noise Pollution Guidance, where the school is located, or consult resources such as the UK Government's guidance on noise pollution.