With the start of the 2025/26 school year, your playground is already buzzing with activity. After a long summer break, it’s the perfect time to assess your current equipment. Is it still up to scratch? Perhaps it’s time to give your students a more exciting and engaging place to play.
Whether you’re replacing old, worn-out equipment or simply looking for something fresh, new school playground equipment can breathe new life into your school’s outdoor area. It’s never too late to invest in high-quality play units that promote physical activity, creativity, and social interaction.
Here’s our round-up of some of the best playground equipment for the 2025/26 school year:
School Playground Classics
Some things never go out of style—swings, zip wires, wobble walks, and other timeless pieces of playground equipment that generations of children have enjoyed. These classic units continue to engage students, offering a great way to build motor skills, physical strength, and social connections.
Why They’re Relevant in 2025: Swings and other classic equipment remain staples because they encourage physical activity and help younger students develop essential coordination skills. Their timeless appeal continues to make them a top choice for school playgrounds.
Activity Trails
Activity trails (or trim trails) are an excellent way to challenge children’s balance, agility, strength, and creativity. These trails can vary in size and difficulty, making them suitable for all age groups and abilities. They also help children develop perseverance and teamwork as they work together to complete the course.
Why They’re Relevant in 2025: Activity trails remain a must-have for their ability to keep kids active, engaged, and improving their physical fitness. Customisable options make it easy to design a trail that fits your space and caters to all student abilities.
Abstract Play Units
Abstract play units have evolved from traditional play structures to offer something new and exciting. These units not only add visual interest to your playground but also foster cognitive and physical development. Take our modern pyramids, for instance—these provide a fun, challenging way for older primary school pupils to build strength while using critical thinking skills to navigate the structure.
Why They’re Relevant in 2025: Abstract play units continue to provide children with opportunities to expand their creativity and problem-solving skills, making them a valuable addition to any school playground.
Thermoplastic Line Markings
If you’re looking to revamp your existing playground without major equipment overhaul, thermoplastic line markings are the perfect solution. They add a splash of color and transform empty spaces into interactive learning areas. Line markings like roadway towns, hopscotch, or snakes and ladders not only make playtimes more fun but can also help students develop key skills such as hand-eye coordination and social interaction.
Why They’re Relevant in 2025: Line markings remain an affordable, effective way to maximize the potential of your playground. With the addition of sensory-rich designs, they can boost both physical activity and mental well-being for students.
Bespoke Play Units
Every school playground is different, so sometimes finding the right piece of equipment can be tricky. If you need something specific or customized to suit your unique space, bespoke play units are a fantastic option. At Setter Play, our design team works with you to create playground equipment that fits perfectly within your outdoor environment, both in size and style.
Why They’re Relevant in 2025: With growing demands for personalized learning and play, bespoke play units allow you to tailor your playground to suit your school’s specific needs and aesthetic. We help ensure that your playground is both functional and visually appealing.
Need Help Choosing the Perfect School Playground Equipment?
Choosing the perfect school playground equipment for the 2025/26 school year can feel like a big task—but Setter Play is here to help make it easy. With over 20 years of experience working with schools, we offer expert advice, recommendations, and guidance to help you create a playground that inspires students and meets their needs.
Get in touch with us to learn more about our extensive range of school playground equipment, or to discuss bespoke designs for your school. We’re happy to offer advice and help you select the perfect pieces for your outdoor space.
Call us today at 01462 817 538 or email [email protected] and let’s create a playground that your students will love for years to come!
