Project overview
Project type: Multi-Sensory Room
Location: St Neots, United Kingdom
Client: Samuel Pepys School
Sector: Specialist Education
Primary users: Pupils with autism and complex learning needs
Introduction
Samuel Pepys School in St Neots provides specialist education for pupils with autism and complex learning needs. Creating supportive environments that help pupils regulate sensory input is an important part of the school’s approach to learning and wellbeing.
Experia originally installed a multi-sensory room at the school in 2016, providing a dedicated space where pupils could explore sensory experiences and participate in structured sensory activities.
In 2025 the school returned to Experia to refresh and update the room, introducing new technology including the latest Intellipair control system to simplify how staff operate the sensory equipment.
The project demonstrates how sensory environments can evolve over time while continuing to support pupils’ needs.
The challenge
Many pupils at Samuel Pepys School benefit from environments that support sensory regulation, relaxation and engagement.
The original sensory room installed in 2016 had been used successfully for many years, supporting pupils with a range of sensory needs. After nearly a decade of use, the school wanted to refresh the environment and introduce newer technology that would make controlling the sensory equipment even easier for staff.
The challenge was to modernise the space while maintaining the familiar environment that pupils were already comfortable using.
Client perspective
Joanna Hardwick, Headteacher
Experia design approach
Experia worked with the school to refresh the existing multi-sensory environment while preserving the elements that pupils were already familiar with.
A key part of the update was the introduction of Intellipair, a new control system designed to simplify how sensory equipment is operated.
The updated design focused on:
• modernising the sensory environment
• simplifying equipment control for staff
• maintaining a familiar and comfortable environment for pupils
• ensuring the room continues to support both calming and interactive experiences
The result is a refreshed sensory environment that combines established sensory features with new technology.
Key sensory features
The refreshed sensory room includes a range of sensory elements designed to support relaxation and engagement.
Features include:
• bubble tube lighting providing gentle visual stimulation
• fibre optic lighting encouraging exploration and interaction
• interactive sensory equipment supporting engagement
• comfortable seating areas for relaxation
• the new Intellipair control system, allowing staff to easily control sensory equipment
The updated system allows staff to change lighting and sensory experiences quickly and simply.
Before and after transformation
The original sensory room installed in 2016 had supported pupils for many years and had become a familiar environment within the school.
The 2025 refresh modernised the room while maintaining its core sensory features. New technology and updated equipment introduced greater flexibility while preserving the calming atmosphere that pupils were used to.
This approach ensured that the refreshed room remained both familiar and engaging.
How the space is used
The sensory room is used throughout the school day for a variety of activities including:
• calming sessions to support sensory regulation
• structured sensory learning activities
• individual support sessions
• small group engagement sessions
The new Intellipair control system allows staff to quickly adjust the environment depending on the needs of each pupil.
The outcome
The refreshed sensory room continues to play an important role within Samuel Pepys School.
Pupils benefit from a calming environment where they can explore sensory experiences and regulate sensory input. Staff also benefit from the simplified control system, making it easier to deliver structured sensory sessions.
The project highlights how sensory environments can continue to evolve over time while maintaining their value within specialist education settings.
Experia perspective
“Seeing a sensory room continue to support pupils nearly ten years after the original installation is incredibly rewarding. Refreshing the environment and introducing new technology ensures the space continues to meet the needs of both pupils and staff.”
Gareth Jones, Founder & CEO, Experia
Planning a sensory environment?
Experia designs and installs sensory environments for schools, healthcare organisations and public venues around the world.
If you are planning a sensory environment and would like expert advice, our team would be happy to help.
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Learn more about sensory environments
What Is a Sensory Room
Sensory Room Design Guide
Sensory Room Equipment Guide
Sensory Room Planning Guide
Sensory Room Cost Guide
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Sector
Specialist education
Autism education
Inclusive Learning Environments