The Best Entrance Mats for Schools: Keep Your Premises Clean and Safe
Every day, hundreds of feet rush in through the school doors, down the corridors and into classrooms. Throughout the day, children and staff move in and out of buildings to get to their next class. At break and lunch times, children will run around the school fields, splash in puddles, and bring dirt, mud, and water back in with them on the soles of their shoes.
It is no wonder, then, that schools are one of the most challenging environments to keep clean. Only the best entrance mats for schools will be able to remove and hold onto all the dirt and water while maintaining their performance for many years to come.
At Mats4U, we have been serving the education sector for over 40 years. We understand the challenges that schools face when it comes to keeping their floors clean and safe. That’s why we recommend investing in high-quality entrance mats that will provide long-term benefits.
Why Entrance Mats are Essential for Schools
Entrance mats are not just about aesthetics; they play a vital role in maintaining hygiene, safety, and durability in school environments. Here’s why:
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Dirt and Moisture Control: High-quality entrance mats prevent mud, dirt, and water from being tracked into the school, reducing the amount of cleaning required.
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Safety First: Mats help to minimise slip hazards by absorbing moisture and providing traction.
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Cost-Effective: Investing in durable entrance mats reduces long-term cleaning and maintenance costs.
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Durability: Schools experience heavy foot traffic, so mats need to be long-lasting and resistant to wear and tear.
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Customisation: Schools can opt for logo mats to enhance branding and reinforce school identity.
Now that we understand why entrance mats are a crucial investment, let’s look at four of the best entrance mats for schools that money can buy.
1. Value Rubber Scraper Mats with Holes – From £44.00
These all-rubber mats are perfect for placing outside all school entrances, and they won’t break the bank. They are competitively priced, offering exceptional value compared to similar mats that are sold at twice the price.
Key Benefits:

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Heavy-Duty Construction: These mats are designed to stay in place due to their weight, ensuring they don’t shift around.
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Superior Scraping Ability: The rubber surface effectively scrapes off heavy dirt and mud from footwear, preventing it from entering the school.
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Easy to Clean: Simply hose down or pressure wash the mats for quick and easy maintenance.
Bear in mind that rubber mats do not dry footwear, so they should be used in conjunction with an internal entrance mat for complete protection.
See Value Rubber Scraper Mats with Holes on the Mats4U website
2. Waterhog Classic Mats – From £49.00
Tried, tested, and trusted in thousands of schools across the country, the Waterhog Classic is one of the best entrance mats for schools. These mats feature a bi-level construction that significantly improves their dirt and water retention compared to single-level mats.
Key Benefits:
- Bi-Level Design: The upper level scrapes and wipes footwear, while the lower level traps dirt and moisture, preventing it from spreading further.
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High Water Retention: Holds up to 6.5 litres of water per square metre, making it ideal for wet weather conditions.
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Exceptional Durability: Designed to withstand heavy footfall, these mats can last well over five years.
With their high absorption capacity and superior performance, Waterhog mats are a must-have for any school entrance.
See Waterhog Classic Mats on the Mats4U website
3. Tri Grip Heavy Duty Mats – From £51.00
If you need a greater choice of colours or a custom size to fit your entranceway, Tri Grip Heavy Duty Mats are an excellent choice. These carpeted-top entrance mats come in custom sizes and lengths of up to 5.5 metres, making them perfect for large school entrances.
Key Benefits:
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Wide Range of Colours: Available in 14 colours, allowing you to match your school colours or brighten up entrance areas.
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Heavy-Duty Materials: The nylon pile resists crushing, while the rubber backing prevents splitting or curling at the edges.
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Tailored to Different Flooring Types: Choose between different rubber backing options, depending on whether the mat will be placed on a hard floor or carpeted surface.
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Excellent Water Absorption: Ideal for drying footwear and stopping finer dirt from entering the building.
For the best results, combine these mats with an outdoor scraper mat to tackle heavier dirt and mud.
See Tri Grip Heavy Duty Mats on the Mats4U website
4. Heavy Duty Logo Mats – From £54.99
For a truly customisable mat, a logo mat is an ideal choice. Schools can personalise these mats with their logo, colours, images, or messages, creating a professional and welcoming entrance.
Key Benefits:
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High-Resolution Printing: Advanced printing technology allows for detailed images, including shading effects and vibrant colours.
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Brand Enhancement: Reinforce school identity and create a great first impression for visitors and students.
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Durability: These mats maintain their vibrant colours and quality for years.
We recommend using a logo mat as a secondary entrance mat to ensure it remains clean and presentable. Placing a functional entrance mat beforehand will remove most dirt and water before reaching the logo mat.
See Heavy Duty Logo Mats on the Mats4U website
Choosing the Right Entrance Mat for Your School
When selecting an entrance mat, consider the following:
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Location: Outdoor scraper mats like the Value Rubber Scraper Mats are perfect for tackling heavy dirt, while indoor mats like the Tri Grip and Waterhog provide water absorption and fine dirt removal.
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Foot Traffic: High-traffic areas require durable mats that can withstand daily use.
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Cleaning and Maintenance: Mats that are easy to clean will save you time and effort in the long run.
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Customisation: If branding is important, consider logo mats to add a personalised touch.
Final Thoughts
Investing in high-quality entrance mats for schools is a smart decision that pays off in terms of cleanliness, safety, and cost savings. Schools are high-footfall environments, and without the right mats in place, dirt and moisture can quickly create hazardous and unhygienic conditions.
If you’re still unsure which mat is best for your school, explore our School Entrance Mats section on the Mats4U website for an even wider selection. Alternatively, give us a call at 0121 313 6748 or email us at Sales@mats4u.co.uk and our friendly team will be happy to help!