Context

Philpots Manor School for children with special educational needs partnered with Jacksons Fencing to upgrade its grounds with secure, durable and visually-sympathetic fencing with matching gates.

To balance safety with the Sussex school's rural character, Jacksons installed black Bow Top railings for internal divisions and green EuroGuard® Regular mesh fencing around the sports field.

Both systems provide tamper-proof, anti-climb protection while blending seamlessly into the countryside, ensuring clear boundaries without feeling harsh or intrusive.

Challenge

Surrounded by peaceful countryside with horses, chickens and sheep in nearby fields, the school lies in a calm and picturesque setting.

Over the years, sections of fencing had been installed by different manufacturers and, while functional, some of these older installations had begun to show signs of wear. Wanting to achieve consistency across the site and combine durability, safety and aesthetic appeal, the school approached Jacksons Fencing for advice and a solution. 

Solution

Jacksons installed two types of fencing: Bow Top and EuroGuard Regular, each chosen for its suitability to different areas of the site. 

Bow Top fencing for the school grounds

Jacksons supplied and installed black Bow Top fencing with matching gates for the internal areas to create safe and defined boundaries between sections of the school. The Bow Top design is well-suited to schools because of its smooth, curved top and anti-climb construction, which ensure safety without appearing restrictive.

The new fencing was powder-coated black to match existing Bow Top fencing installed previously by another manufacturer, maintaining visual consistency across the grounds. Unlike the earlier installation, this new fencing benefits from Jacksons' 25-year guarantee, providing long-term reassurance for the school.

Though strong and secure, Bow Top fencing allows clear visibility through each panel, so staff can easily monitor different areas while maintaining an open and welcoming feel. The gates on either side of the pathway provide flexible access and controlled movement throughout the grounds.

Bow Top fencing is a popular choice for schools, thanks to its robust tubular steel design with no visible joins or fixings. This concealed construction enhances durability and discourages tampering; pupils will not be able to remove bolts or fixings during lunch or break times, which is a common issue in school environments. Lighter than traditional metal railings, it also requires fewer posts for quicker installation and lower costs, thanks to the wider panels. In addition, Bow Top aligns with the BRE Global Guide for galvanised steel railings, achieving a summary rating of B for educational settings. This means they have been independently assessed and recognised as a sustainable and environmentally-responsible choice for educational environments. 

EuroGuard Regular V-mesh fencing for the playing field 

Jacksons supplied and installed green EuroGuard Regular V-mesh fencing for the sports and playing field, with a matching gate to enclose the playing fields from the nearby path and neighbouring fields. Standing at 2m-high, the V-mesh fencing is tall enough to effectively stop accessibility and reduce the chance of the odd stray ball from going over, making it ideal for sports environments where durability is essential. At the same time, its open mesh design does not interrupt the school’s picturesque countryside views, meaning students and staff can still see across the fields, where sheep and chickens roam, preserving the school’s connection with nature. The green powder-coated finish helps the fence blend seamlessly with the grass and landscape, creating a secure yet unobtrusive boundary. The matching gate at the end of the run completes the installation with a neat, professional finish, providing secure access to the path while remaining easy to use with a padlock. 

EuroGuard Regular is widely used around schools and sports pitches due to its strong yet non-intimidating V-mesh design, anti-climb features and vandal-proof fixings. It aligns with the BRE Global Guide for “galvanised weld mesh fencing with metal posts”, achieving a summary rating of A for educational settings. In other words, it has been rated as a highly-sustainable and responsible option for schools, offering long-lasting security and durability while promoting sustainability. 

Result

Philpots Manor School now benefits from two high-quality fencing systems that enhance the safety, functionality and appearance of its grounds. The Bow Top fencing provides secure internal divisions that are open and visually light, while the EuroGuard Regular fencing delivers robust protection for the sports field without detracting from the natural beauty of the Sussex countryside.

Both systems feature smooth, anti-climb designs and durable, low-maintenance materials, backed by Jacksons' 25-year guarantee for long-term reliability.

Set against the quiet backdrop of rural Sussex, this school fencing installation demonstrates how carefully chosen fencing can balance safety, practicality and aesthetics, creating secure yet welcoming outdoor spaces. 

School installations

This school fencing installation in Sussex is just one of many projects Jacksons completes each year for schools across the UK. Fencing solutions are designed around each school’s specific needs, whether for perimeter security, sports fields or internal divisions, and combine safety and visual appeal. A wide range of designs, colours and finishes are available for different settings, from rural schools like Philpots Manor to busy urban campuses.

The company's DBS-approved installers can carry out projects during holidays or discreetly during term time to minimise disruption.

All school fencing systems are backed by a 25-year guarantee, giving schools confidence that their investment will deliver long-term performance and peace of mind.