Case Study: University Exam Furniture — Up to 1,000 Units

Universities run exam sittings across multiple halls, often simultaneously, with precise layout requirements set by exam boards. Expo Hire supplies exam desks and chairs at scale — up to 1,000 units per contract — with full setup and breakdown included, seven days a week.

The challenge

Exam periods are short, intense and non-negotiable. A university needs hundreds of exam desks and chairs in precise configurations across one or more halls on a fixed date. Once exams are over, the furniture needs to come out just as fast so the space can return to normal use. There is no margin for late deliveries, missing items or furniture that does not meet exam board specifications.

Handling this internally — sourcing, storing, moving and laying out hundreds of desks — is a significant logistical burden. Most universities prefer to hand it to a specialist.

What we supply

• Examination desks — regulation-size, suitable for all major exam board requirements
• Examination chairs — matched to the desks, comfortable for extended sittings
• Up to 1,000 units per contract, covering single or multiple exam halls

The full managed service

This is not dry hire. We deliver, set up and lay out the furniture to your hall plan before the exam period begins. When exams are finished, we return and break down the entire setup and remove everything from site.

• Delivery and full setup before the first sitting
• Layout to your specification — row spacing, desk numbering, accessibility positions
• Full breakdown and collection after the final sitting
• Available seven days a week — exams do not only happen Monday to Friday

Scale and flexibility

We have supplied single halls for a few hundred students and multi-hall setups approaching 1,000 units. Contracts can cover a single exam period or run across the full academic year, with multiple setup and breakdown cycles included.

Why universities use this service

• No storage burden — exam furniture takes up significant space when not in use. We hold the stock.
• No internal labour cost — setting up 800 desks takes a large team and several hours. That cost sits with us, not the facilities department.
• Exam board compliant — desk dimensions meet standard requirements. No disputes with invigilators on the day.
• Reliable at volume — we have the stock to fulfil large orders. If something is damaged in transit, we have replacements.
• Seven-day service — weekend and bank holiday sittings are not a problem.

Arrange a contract

Tell us the number of students, the number of halls, your exam dates and any specific layout requirements. We will confirm availability and provide a quote. Contact us here or call the office directly.

Read more about our university exam hire service  |  All case studies