School & Education Cleaning Services | Astound Cleaning

We are in a privileged position to be trusted by a number of Education clients, to maintain their schools throughout the year. We know that for many of these clients there are extra pressures on budget, and higher expectations of trust and professionalism. And as the cleaning often happens infrequently, outside of term time, the service needs to be truly brilliant. Here are some reasons why we feel we offer a genuine advantage to Education clients.


Spotless Service


We know that for many of our Education clients, the cost of service is a major consideration in selecting a Window Cleaning service. Pressure to stay within budget can be a driving force behind selecting a partner but value for money is also a significant consideration. As a client, you don't want to compromise on service, nor pay too much for the service you receive.


At Astound we work hard to ensure that we are offering both a competitively priced service and one that offers great value. We not only benchmark ourselves against our peers to ensure we are attractively priced, we also work hard to gather feedback on our service to ensure our clients are happy with the service they receive.


Discreet Professionalism


We are very much aware of the specific needs of trust for service providers in the Education sector. For any workers attending site to clean windows or conduct maintenance, it is important to demonstrate trustworthiness and professionalism whilst on site, whilst staff are working and especially if students are also present.


At Astound, we take the question of trust very seriously. All of our Window Cleaning staff attending Educational establishments are CRB checked as a matter of course. This information can be checked in advance if required. In addition, a senior member of the Astound team (often our MD) will conduct spot checks to ensure that we uphold high standards of professionalism and service.


Experience Matters


All of our clients, regardless of sector, expect a brilliant service. For Education clients, we know that you may only have the budget and opportunity for one clean per year. This means one thing: extra dirty windows. We know this before we arrive, so we are prepared to give the window cleaning an extra effort. We will even clean them twice if they need it, all as part of the service.


As Education premises are often substantial in size, our approach to cleaning needs to be highly organised. We arrive on site, fully prepared for each booking. The booking starts with a site meeting for our team to coordinate our work for the day. All work is reviewed with the client before sign-off. Bookings can be made well in advance and also timed for Student holidays to minimise disruption.

At Astound we do not ask our clients to take out contracts. We work hard to retain happy customers through excellent service.

Two people are walking in front of a large stone building

CASE STUDY – LANCING COLLEGE


Lancing College is an independent boarding and day school for boys and girls aged 13-18, originally founded in 1848.


BACKGROUND


The college possesses some of the most striking buildings of any school in the country. The school buildings and boarding houses are positioned around two main quadrangles and the landmark chapel building.


The college is divided up into nine houses, each house accommodating between 30 and 80 pupils. As well as the historic halls and teaching rooms, new facilities include an art school with large studios, a contemporary sports centre with a sports hall, a swimming pool, fitness suite and dance studio/fencing salle.


THE PROJECT


We have been carrying out window cleaning to the exterior of the college buildings for 5 years. It is important to the college that the window cleaning is completed within the allocated times, with minimal disruption, respecting the historic fabric of the building. In 2014, we were asked to tender for the interior window cleaning.


Duration:

4 days, Bi-annually


Services included:

  • Internal window cleaning
  • External window cleaning


CHALLENGES


Although we are not responsible for cleaning the historic chapel windows, many of the windows across the campus are stained glass and/or leaded. The majority are set within stone mullions, some of which are very elaborate and positioned within dormers.


There are a range of different internal spaces, from large modern teaching rooms to smaller residential areas, across a large campus – with some areas difficult to access with a vehicle. Our team need to be vigilant of water ingress or any issues around damage to the internal finishes, as well as being aware of visitors and staff, respecting the environment and ethos of the school.


Some of the more inaccessible windows have not been cleaned for some time and there was a considerable build up of dirt. We have proposed scaffolding towers/cherry pickers to reach the inaccessible windows that cannot be reached with a pole, but currently this is not a cost effective option for the client.


SOLUTIONS


We selected a team who are all NVQ qualified, with Safecontractor and CHAS accreditation, who also have experience in historic buildings – specifically leaded windows with stone surrounds. This team have worked at high profile venues such as Earls Court and the Royal Shakespeare Company.


Our supervisor arranged to survey the job with Lancing College’s site services manager, prior to operatives arriving on site. At this point, we agreed the most time effective sequence in which to carry out the work. This was transcribed onto a campus plan and handed to the team supervisor prior to project start.


We used the pole window cleaning technique, incorporating the latest technology in pure water window cleaning. Benefits include:

Window cleaning up to a height of 20.5 metres.


  • Pure hot water drawn from our own vehicles means there are no dried ‘spots’ left behind on the glass.
  • Reduced health and safety risks.
  • Cleans windows, UPVC, facades, glass roofs, panelling and cladding.
  • Reaches previously inaccessible windows with ease.
  • Environmentally friendly, as no chemicals are ever used.
  • Saves money
A high and hard to reach window that needs cleaning by Astounds High Access Window Cleaning Team
High and hard to reach window that needs cleaning by Astounds High Access Window Cleaning Team
A man is cleaning the outside of an historic building building with a long pole.

The Astound Standard Ten Point Guarantee:

  • Personal consultation with our Operations Manager to define your needs and expectations
  • Flexible agreements to suit your business, we work with you to create the best option for you
  • Out of hours contact service to a real voice to assist in your requirements
  • Unique online reporting system access available, keeping you ‘in view’ of your contract records 24 hours a day
  • Friendly team manner means we are extremely approachable to answer any questions you may have
  • Clear communication channels, as standard
  • Astound quality control assured with regular review quality control reports
  • CRB checked staff is standard
  • Online GPS tracking system technology synchronised with Google Maps as standard
  • Exceptional professional standards guaranteed

Astound Cleaning News

The Best Way to Clean Windows: Professional Tips from Astound Cleaning Group

by Kevin Lawton • 20 August 2025
How to Clean Outside Windows You Can't Reach Cleaning windows on tall buildings across South East England presents unique challenges that require specialised solutions. When traditional methods fall short, professional rope access window cleaning provides a safe and efficient solution for maintaining the cleanliness of high-rise buildings throughout London, Kent, Surrey, and Sussex. This comprehensive guide explores the methods, training, and expertise needed for cleaning hard-to-reach windows. Rope Access Window Cleaning High-rise window cleaning has evolved significantly across the South East, with rope access becoming the preferred method for maintaining tall buildings in urban centres like London, Brighton, and Canterbury. This technique combines advanced safety protocols with efficient cleaning methods to ensure pristine results even at extreme heights. Modern rope access cleaning offers several advantages: • More cost-effective compared to traditional platforms • Minimal disruption to building occupants • Quick setup and completion times • Access to previously unreachable areas • Environmentally friendly approach Commercial high rise window cleaning requires extensive training and certification to meet UK safety standards. Professional teams use specialised equipment and techniques to deliver exceptional results while maintaining the highest safety standards required by British regulations. Rope Access Training Before anyone can perform [high rise window cleaner] duties in the UK, they must complete comprehensive rope access training. This training typically includes: Basic Training Requirements: • IRATA (Industrial Rope Access Trade Association) certification • UK Working at Heights qualification • First aid and rescue training • Equipment inspection and maintenance • Risk assessment procedures compliant with UK HSE guidelines Advanced Skills Development: • Complex access techniques • Emergency procedures • British weather assessment • Team coordination • Equipment management Abseiling Window Cleaning Abseiling window cleaning companies throughout South East England utilise sophisticated techniques that combine traditional cleaning methods with advanced rope access skills. This specialised approach requires: Equipment Requirements: • Industrial-grade ropes and harnesses meeting British standards • Certified anchor points • Professional-grade cleaning tools • Safety backup systems • Communication devices Safety Protocols: • Regular equipment inspections following UK guidelines • Weather monitoring specific to South East England conditions • Team coordination procedures • Emergency response plans • Continuous risk assessment What is Abseiling Window Cleaning? How to choose a high rise window cleaning company starts with understanding the process. Abseiling window cleaning, also known as rope access cleaning, involves: Technical Aspects: • Use of double-rope systems meeting British safety standards • Industrial-grade anchoring points • Specialised cleaning equipment • Safety backup mechanisms • Weather monitoring systems The Process: Site Assessment Building structure evaluation Anchor point inspection Risk assessment completion Weather condition check Access point determination Equipment Setup Rope system installation Safety equipment checks Cleaning equipment preparation Communication system testing Emergency equipment positioning Cleaning Operation Systematic descent procedures Professional cleaning techniques Regular safety checks Progress monitoring Quality control measures Professional Considerations When dealing with high-rise window cleaning in South East England, several factors must be considered: Weather Conditions: • Coastal wind considerations • British rainfall patterns • Temperature effects • Visibility levels • Seasonal variations Building Characteristics: • Local architectural styles • Listed building considerations • Access points • Safety systems • Building usage Legal Requirements: • UK insurance requirements • British safety certifications • Local council regulations • Work permits • HSE risk assessments Quality Assurance Professional rope access window cleaning services maintain high standards through: Regular Training: • Updated UK safety protocols • New equipment familiarisation • Emergency procedure practice • Team coordination exercises • Technical skill enhancement Equipment Maintenance: • Regular inspections to British standards • Replacement schedules • Documentation requirements • Testing procedures • Storage protocols Client Communication: • Progress updates • Safety briefings • Schedule coordination • Quality feedback • Maintenance recommendations Future Developments The rope access window cleaning industry in South East England continues to evolve with Technological Advances: • Improved safety equipment • Enhanced cleaning tools • Weather monitoring systems • Communication devices • Training simulators Industry Standards: • Updated UK safety protocols • Environmental considerations • Equipment specifications • Training requirements • Quality benchmarks Choosing Professional Services When selecting a rope access window cleaning service in South East England, consider: Company Credentials: • IRATA certification • UK insurance coverage • Safety record • Regional experience • Local client testimonials Service Quality: • Equipment standards • Training protocols • Safety procedures • Communication methods • Quality guarantees Conclusion Professional rope access window cleaning in South East England combines advanced technical skills with rigorous safety protocols to provide effective solutions for maintaining high-rise buildings. The success of these operations depends on proper training, equipment maintenance, and adherence to British safety standards. When choosing a service provider, ensure they meet all necessary UK qualifications and maintain high professional standards while understanding the unique challenges of working in the South East region.
Three window washers, in safety vests, rappelling down a glass-walled high-rise building, cleaning windows.

Rope Access Window Cleaning: The Professional Guide

by Kevin Lawton • 18 August 2025
Discover professional rope access window cleaning methods and training requirements in South East England. Learn how experts safely clean unreachable windows using specialised techniques.
Image shows a man using pure water to clean windows and answers the question; What is pure water win

What is Pure Water Window Cleaning? Expert Guide & Equipment Tips

by Kevin Lawton • 11 August 2025
Discover how pure water window cleaning delivers streak-free results. Learn expert techniques, equipment tips, and why this method is the future of commercial cleaning.