Business Details
Trusted Canopy and Solar Solutions for Schools, Healthcare & Commercial Spaces
Established in the late 1970s, Kensington Systems has evolved from manufacturing blinds to becoming a leading provider of high-quality canopies and solar solutions across the UK. With over four decades of experience, we specialise in designing and installing bespoke canopy systems for schools, healthcare facilities, and commercial clients. Our commitment to innovation is exemplified by the introduction of the Spaceshade canopy system in 2014, featuring non-fragile roofs and integrated gutters, followed by solar panel canopies in 2023.ISO 9001-certified since 2002 and accredited by Planet Mark since 2024, we combine rigorous quality management with sustainability. Our end-to-end service includes site surveys, project management, and 25-year warranties, ensuring durable, weatherproof solutions tailored to client needs. DBS-checked installers and a focus on reducing carbon footprints underscore our dedication to safety and environmental responsibility.
Services
Solar Canopies
Outdoor Dining Canopies
MUGA Sports Canopies
Covered Walkways
Playground Shelters
Shade Sails
Timber Canopies
Enclosed Canopies
Healthcare Canopies
Commercial Canopies
Highlights and features
- We offer over 40 years of expertise in canopy and solar solutions for UK schools and healthcare facilities.
- Our ISO 9001 certification ensures rigorous quality management standards across all projects.
- We provide end-to-end project management, including groundwork, installation, and 25-year warranties.
- Our solar canopies integrate renewable energy generation with functional outdoor space optimisation.
- DBS-checked installers ensure safety and compliance during installations at educational and healthcare sites.
Associations and certifications
- ISO 9001
- Planet Mark
What people say
Excellent product quality
Swift and easy management
Robust and durable structures
Personalised service approach
Transformative outdoor spaces
Services
Solar Canopies
Our solar canopies combine renewable energy generation with functional outdoor protection. Designed for schools and businesses, these structures reduce electricity costs while providing weatherproof spaces for dining, sports, or walkways. Integrated solar panels generate clean energy, supporting net-zero goals without compromising structural integrity or aesthetic appeal.
Outdoor Dining Canopies
Modular dining canopies create all-weather eating spaces for schools, featuring optional side walls, heating, and lighting. These cost-effective solutions expand capacity three times cheaper than traditional extensions, with rapid installation minimising disruption to school schedules and operations.
Covered Walkways
Durable walkway canopies connect buildings while protecting users from weather extremes. Customisable with solar panels, lighting, and side walls, these structures ensure year-round accessibility for staff, patients, and students across educational, healthcare, and commercial sites.
Playground Shelters
Weatherproof playground canopies enable continuous outdoor learning and play. Featuring non-fragile roofs, vibrant colour options, and optional solar integration, these shelters protect equipment and students while fostering creative, curriculum-linked activities in all weather conditions.
MUGA Sports Canopies
Clear-span MUGA canopies provide unobstructed sports spaces for year-round use. Engineered for minimal support posts and rapid installation, these structures accommodate diverse activities from basketball to community events while incorporating solar options and weather protection.
People
Laurie Huntley
Canopy Consultant
With 20+ years' experience, Laurie specialises in tailored canopy solutions, ensuring client specifications meet practical and regulatory requirements while optimising outdoor space functionality.
Harriette Shepperdley
Head of Business Development
Harriette identifies strategic partnerships and market opportunities, driving innovation in canopy design and sustainability initiatives across education and healthcare sectors.
Charmaine Pullen
Finance and Compliance Manager
Charmaine manages financial operations and regulatory compliance, ensuring transparent payment schedules and adherence to quality standards across all projects.
Clifford Huntley
Head of R&D
Clifford leads product innovation, developing cutting-edge features like non-fragile roofs and solar integrations that maintain Kensington Systems' industry-leading position.
Nigel Leahy
Marketing Director
Nigel directs strategic marketing initiatives, enhancing brand visibility through digital campaigns and industry engagement while maintaining ESG messaging consistency.
Questions
What types of canopies do you offer for schools?
We provide solar canopies, outdoor dining shelters, playground covers, MUGA sports structures, and covered walkways tailored to educational needs.
Do I need planning permission for a school canopy?
Most canopies qualify as permitted development, but we provide CGI visualisations to assist with local authority applications if required.
Can canopies include solar panels?
Yes, our Spaceshade canopies integrate solar panels to reduce energy bills and carbon emissions while providing weather protection.
What warranties do you offer?
All Spaceshade canopies include a 25-year warranty on corrosion-free aluminium frames and workmanship.
How long does installation take?
Lead times typically range from 6-10 weeks from deposit to installation, depending on project complexity and customisation.
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