26 May 2026
School Dining Furniture Buying Guide
GOPAK's GoRoll range is one of the most widely trusted dining table solutions in UK schools, and for good reason. This guide cuts through the options so you can make a confident, well-justified purchasing decision.
Why the GoRoll Is Worth Your Budget
Before comparing products, it's worth understanding what makes GoRoll furniture a sound procurement choice - not just a furniture choice.
Total cost of ownership, not just unit price
Traditional separate tables, chairs and benches seem straightforward to buy, but they create ongoing costs: storage racking, replacement of lost or damaged chairs, staff time setting up and clearing away, and floor repairs from dragged furniture. GoRoll units are self-contained, roll on non-marking castors, and are operated by a single member of staff. Over a 5–10 year period, the labour and maintenance savings are significant.
A 20-year manufacturing guarantee
Every unit in the GoRoll range carries a 20-year guarantee against manufacturing defects. That's a strong procurement advantage. It means you can capitalise the investment with confidence, and it signals the build quality you'd expect from a UK manufacturer with over 75 years of experience.
UK-made with consistent quality standards
Gopak manufacture in the UK, which means consistent lead times, no import risk and a supplier relationship through SchoolsRUs you can rely on. All products are made to order with an approximate 12-week lead time - so factor this into your procurement calendar, particularly for new builds or summer refurbishments.
The Three GoRoll Product Families
The GoRoll range divides into three families. Choosing between them comes down to your existing furniture, your storage constraints and how your dining space is used.
Family 1 - GoRoll with Integrated Stools
The most self-contained option. No separate seating to procure, store or manage. Integrated 'Click & Sit' stools attach without nuts or bolts, keeping setup fast and maintenance simple.
Best for: Schools that want a fully contained unit, no legacy seating, or a clean start.
| Product | Capacity |
|---|---|
| GoRoll Folding Table – 8 Stool | 8–12 primary pupils |
| GoRoll Folding Table – 12 Stool | 12–16 primary pupils |
| GoRoll Folding Table – 16 Stool | 16–20 primary pupils |
Family 2 - GoRoll with Integrated Benches
The most popular choice for primary school dining halls. Benches fold down flat for storage (up to 50% space saving) and can be fully detached for wheelchair access - making these units DDA-friendly without a separate accessible configuration.
The fold-down bench design also makes floor cleaning much faster between sittings, which matters to your catering team and to your hygiene audit scores.
Best for: Primary schools, high-volume dining halls, schools prioritising inclusive access.
| Product | Capacity |
|---|---|
| GoRoll Table & Bench – 8 Seats | 8–12 primary pupils |
| GoRoll Table & Bench – 12 Seats | 12–16 primary pupils |
| GoRoll Table & Bench – 16 Seats | 16–20 primary pupils |
| GoRoll Tables with Fixed Benches | Multiple configurations |
Family 3 - GoRoll Mobile Tables (Table Only)
If your school has usable chairs or benches already, the table-only GoRoll keeps your upfront cost lower and gives maximum flexibility for multi-use halls. Three lengths cover 6–20 people.
Best for: Schools with existing seating, secondary schools, multi-purpose halls, flexible configurations.
| Product | Size / Capacity |
|---|---|
| GoRoll Folding Table – 8ft | 2440mm × 750mm / 6–10 people |
| GoRoll Folding Table – 10ft | 3050mm × 750mm / 12–16 people |
| GoRoll Folding Table – 12ft | 3660mm × 750mm / 16–20 people |
Quick Comparison: Which Family Fits Your School?
| Stool Units | Bench Units | Table Only | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seating included | ✓ Stools | ✓ Benches | ✗ Bring your own |
| Wheelchair access | ✓ Open sides | ✓ Detachable benches | ✓ Fully flexible |
| Floor cleaning | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
| Space saving in storage | ✓ | ✓ Up to 50% | ✓ |
| Upfront cost | Mid | Mid | Lower |
| Best age group | Primary | Primary | All Ages |
| Staff to operate | 1 | 1 | 1 |
What to Check Before You Order
1. Storage space
Measure your storage area before selecting unit sizes. The fold-down bench units offer the greatest storage efficiency - up to 50% reduction in footprint compared to the table in use. All GoRoll units roll on castors, so they can be moved into corridors, storerooms or recessed bays without additional trolleys.
2. Number of dining sittings
If you run two or three lunch sittings, single-person operation becomes essential. GoRoll's fold-and-roll design means one member of catering staff can reconfigure the space between sittings without pulling in additional help.
3. Age range and heights
GoRoll offers three height settings across the range. For mixed primary and secondary use, or schools with SEN pupils, consider stocking units at multiple heights. The 640mm setting is suitable for KS1 and early KS2; 690mm works across most KS2; 740mm suits KS3 and above.
4. Existing seating inventory
Before defaulting to a stool or bench unit, audit what you already have. If you have serviceable stacking chairs or Gopak benches, a table-only unit may be the better value option - and it gives you more flexibility for exams, events and other hall uses.
5. Lead time
All GoRoll products are made to order: allow approximately 2–3 weeks from order to delivery. Plan procurement accordingly - especially for September starts or post-summer refurbishments.
Key Specifications at a Glance
- Height options: 640mm / 690mm / 740mm
- Colour options: 21
- Guarantee: 20 years against manufacturing defects
- Lead time: Approximately 12 weeks (made to order)
- Origin: UK manufactured by Gopak
- Edging: PU-sealed - moisture and bacteria resistant
- Castors: Non-marking with brakes
- Operation: Single person
Frequently Asked Questions
Are GoRoll tables suitable for schools with SEN pupils?
Yes. The bench units allow benches to be detached at any position for wheelchair access, and height adjustability across three settings supports a range of physical needs. The stable castor-and-brake system also means units stay fixed when in use.
Can GoRoll furniture be included in a capital expenditure bid?
Yes - with a 20-year manufacturing guarantee and a UK manufacturer with a long track record, GoRoll units are well-suited to inclusion in LCVP, condition improvement fund bids, or other capital procurement processes. Contact us if you need product specifications or supplier information for a bid document.
Is there a minimum order quantity?
No - you can order individual units. However, for larger orders we recommend contacting the SchoolsRUs team directly to discuss pricing.
What happens if a unit is damaged?
Gopak's 20-year guarantee covers manufacturing defects. For accidental damage, replacement parts are available. Contact SchoolsRUs for after-sales support.
Can I see a sample or have a demonstration?
Gopak offers a free site survey and can advise on demonstration options. Contact the SchoolsRUs team to discuss.
SchoolsRUs are the UK's leading supplier of school furniture. For advice on any product in the GoRoll range, call our sales team on 0845 6033606 or email sales@schoolsrus.co.uk.
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