As the UK continues to grapple with rising rates of student and staff absenteeism, the role of hygiene in educational settings has come under the spotlight once again. From respiratory viruses to norovirus outbreaks, schools are facing increasing pressure to maintain infection control standards in environments that are inherently difficult to manage.
Educational institutions are, by design, high-contact environments. Hundreds—sometimes thousands—of individuals pass through shared spaces each day, touching desks, handrails, gym equipment, lunch trays, and door handles. The result is a perfect breeding ground for harmful microbes. And while cleaning protocols are in place, many schools are still using outdated disinfectants that offer only short-term protection, contain harsh chemicals, and contribute to environmental waste.
A 2023 Department for Education report revealed that over half of UK schools cite maintaining consistent hygiene across sites as a growing challenge. Short staffing, budget constraints, and the pressure to meet sustainability targets have only compounded the issue.
What’s the risk?
The public health implications are serious. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has repeatedly warned of increased transmission of respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses in educational settings, including norovirus, influenza, and more recently, invasive Group A Strep.
These infections are not only disruptive to learning—they come at a significant economic cost. Government estimates put the price of pupil absence due to illness at over £1 billion per year, with knock-on effects on academic performance, staffing, and parental productivity.
A better way forward: SANI-99™
At Scientific Sanitation Solutions, we’re transforming how schools manage hygiene with SANI-99™ — an advanced disinfectant purpose-built for high-traffic, high-risk environments such as classrooms, canteens, restrooms, and gym facilities.
SANI-99™ is fully certified to UK and EU standards, including EN 1276, EN 14476, EN 13697, and EN 1500, and offers exceptional efficacy — eliminating 99.99995% of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and mould. But beyond its proven performance, what truly sets it apart is its long-lasting surface activity, non-toxic, alcohol-free formulation, and innovative, sustainable packaging system.
“We created SANI-99™ in direct response to the challenges schools face every day,” says Neale Samway, Sales Director at Scientific Sanitation Solutions.
“Cleaning teams told us they needed something safer for children, longer lasting than traditional disinfectants, and more cost-effective. SANI-99™ delivers on all three — reducing pressure on staff while improving hygiene outcomes for students and educators alike.”
Safety and simplicity
Unlike many conventional disinfectants, SANI-99™ leaves no corrosive residue and does not require PPE for use. It’s suitable for use on surfaces in classrooms, canteens, libraries, gyms, and even food preparation areas. Its gentle formulation means it can be used in nurseries and special education settings without risk of irritation or adverse reaction.
SANI-99™ is also biodegradable, chlorine-free and alcohol-free, making it a safer choice for children, staff, and the planet. The “One Bottle for Life” system, which uses refillable bottles and compact powder sachets, drastically reduces the plastic waste and carbon emissions associated with pre-mixed disinfectants.
For schools looking to improve their environmental credentials, this presents an easy win—especially in the context of increased scrutiny around sustainability practices in the public sector.
A case for change
Ultimately, the case for upgrading hygiene in schools is clear. Short-lived disinfectants contribute to a cycle of excessive labour, higher product costs, and inconsistent protection. SANI-99™ breaks that cycle—delivering a solution that is effective, economical, and aligned with the health and safety needs of modern educational institutions.
With pupil wellbeing, operational costs, and environmental responsibility all under the microscope, schools need disinfection strategies that work harder, last longer, and protect more. SANI-99™ offers exactly that.
