How Schools and Universities Are Using Pop Up Power Units to Transform Their Campuses

As education evolves to embrace flexibility, interactivity, and well-being, outdoor learning has emerged as a key trend in schools and universities across the UK. Whether it’s delivering a seminar on a landscaped terrace or hosting a STEM workshop in a courtyard, institutions are increasingly looking to make better use of their outdoor spaces.

But one challenge often stands in the way: power access. From projectors to PA systems and laptops, many educational tools require electricity—and running long extension cables across a lawn or playground isn’t a safe or sustainable solution.

Safe, Reliable Outdoor Power for Schools and Universities

Pop Up Power Supplies® is providing the answer with its discreet, reliable outdoor power systems. With a range of Retractable Units, In-Ground Units, and Power Bollards, the company is helping education providers rethink their spaces—without compromising safety, aesthetics, or practicality.

“Over the past few years, we’ve seen a real shift in how educational environments are used,” says George Parker, Director of Pop Up Power Supplies®. “Schools and universities want to get more from their outdoor spaces—not just for recreation, but for teaching, events, and group learning. Our units give them the power access they need without permanent installations that clutter or restrict movement.”

Flexible Outdoor Power for Modern Education

Pop Up Power’s Retractable Units are particularly popular in school and university settings. Installed flush with the ground, they provide multiple power sockets when needed, and can be locked away out of sight when not in use. This makes them ideal for multi-use areas such as quadrangles, amphitheatres, playgrounds, and sports fields.

One university in the Midlands recently upgraded its central plaza with several Pop Up Power units. The goal was to support student-led events, outdoor lectures, and art installations—activities that previously relied on temporary, generator-powered solutions. With the new system in place, the campus now hosts everything from open-air cinema nights to interactive exhibitions, all powered safely and sustainably from retractable power units built into the paving.

“It’s a big win for students, staff and visitors,” the campus estates manager said. “We’ve created a more vibrant, usable outdoor space—and we’re no longer struggling with health and safety issues caused by trailing leads and noisy generators.”

Safe, Sustainable and Discreet Power Units

All Pop Up Power units are designed to meet rigorous safety requirements. They feature:

●    Secure locking systems
●    Weatherproof sockets
●    Anti-slip surfaces when closed

Once retracted, they are flush with the surrounding ground, posing no trip hazards—an essential feature for busy educational environments.

Power options range from 16A to 125A, with single or three-phase availability. Units can also be configured with data connections, offering complete utility solutions for outdoor events and educational activities.

Supporting Sustainability and Student Wellbeing

In addition to boosting learning flexibility, Pop Up Power systems contribute to wider sustainability and wellbeing goals. By enabling the use of grid-connected electricity instead of diesel generators, they help reduce:

●    Carbon emissions
●    Noise pollution
●    Visual disruption

"Outdoor learning isn’t just about having a nice day outside—it’s proven to boost engagement, mental health and creativity,” Parker adds. “We’re proud to support that with technology that’s invisible when it needs to be, and robust when it’s in use.”

Transforming Outdoor Spaces Across the UK

Pop Up Power Supplies® designs and supplies a full range of Retractable, In-Ground and Power Bollard Units for public spaces, campuses, retail destinations and hospitality venues. Installed at sites across the UK, these systems offer safe and discreet power access that supports events, education, and everyday use in flexible outdoor environments.

To find out more or discuss how Pop Up Power can support your campus or school:

Visit www.popuppower.co.uk 

or Call  020 8227 0208