Gerflor and Gradus has developed two comprehensive guidance documents designed to support education sector projects in meeting the latest Department for Education (DfE) technical requirements across the CF21 and CF25 frameworks.
Gerflor and Gradus has developed two comprehensive guidance documents designed to support education sector projects in meeting the latest Department for Education (DfE) technical requirements across the CF21 and CF25 frameworks.
Drawing on the Further Education Output Specification – Technical Annex 2D: Internal Elements and Finishes (December 2023) for the CF21 framework, and the updated DfE Technical Manual – Employer’s Requirements: Technical Requirements for the Design and Construction of School and College Buildings and Outdoor Environments (August 2025) for the CF25 framework, these guides translate complex compliance standards into clear, practical product recommendations. Together, they provide architects, contractors, and education providers with accessible, specification aligned flooring and wall protection solutions from Gerflor and Gradus.
The CF25 Guide has been developed in accordance with the DfE Technical Manual – Employer’s Requirements (August 2025). This updated specification introduces refined standards around durability, hygiene, multi‑purpose floor zones, barrier matting requirements, and performance classifications for vinyl, carpet, sports surfaces, and wet‑area safety flooring. Gerflor and Gradus CF25 guidance interprets these requirements into ready‑to‑use product mapping across all F‑type and W‑type categories, ensuring compliance in both new‑build and refurbishment projects. The document includes individual product pages with direct links to designs, technical data, and NBS specifications, as well as a table highlighting essential carbon information.
The CF21 Guide has been developed using the Further Education Output Specification – Technical Annex 2D: Internal Elements and Finishes (Dec 2023) as its foundation. It translates the required performance criteria for flooring and wall finishes into clear, space‑by‑space product recommendations, from general teaching areas to specialist environments such as chemical stores, food rooms, wet areas, and sports facilities. It ensures compliance with DfE expectations across slip resistance, hygiene, durability, water resistance, ESD performance, and sports floor requirements, supported by the Gerflor and Gradus product offer. The document includes individual product pages with direct links to designs, technical data, and NBS specifications.
