Noisy, hot and poorly lit classrooms impair the performance of pupils, according to research published today.
Poor conditions affected children's ability to concentrate and to do well in tests and could lead to pupils and teachers missing school, the latest report for the Cambridge-based Primary Review project said.
The study suggested children need a room with a view and plenty of natural light to work well in class.
The research, by Dr Karl Wall, Prof Julie Dockrell and Dr Nick Peacey, from the Institute of Education, University of London, said: "From the limited research focusing on young children, we know that elevated temperatures and humidity are associated with adverse effects on pupil achievement and behaviour.
"For teachers, such circumstances may lead to increased teacher stress and reduced classroom effectiveness. In the case of humidity, there may be health risks as well.
"Poorly controlled classroom ventilation may lead to raised carbon dioxide levels which are associated with a reduction in concentration and the ability to focus on mental tasks."
The study found too much noise caused pupils to do badly in maths and English tests, while more daylight in a student's classroom led to better results.
"Excessive noise has a direct effect on test performance and reduces performance in Sats.
"Greater exposure to natural light is positively associated with enhanced pupils' performance, while having a view from the classroom positively impacts on teacher and pupil wellbeing," the researchers said.
They found low exposure to natural light may disturb children's sleep patterns, leading them to lose energy and cause pupils and teachers to miss school.
A spokesman for the Department for Children said: "Children and teachers, like anyone else, need good environments to work in - that's pretty self evident.
"We have pumped massive investment into schools to get rid of poor quality, cheaply designed buildings erected since the second world war.
"We've already built 800 new primaries since 1997 and the primary capital programme will now rebuild or refurbish at least half of the remaining schools.
"We set clear guidance and publish design blueprints on lighting, noise, ventilation and air quality based on expert and industry advice."
Further research recommended class sizes should be cut to a maximum of 25 to help young children who struggle with reading.
The study by academics at the University of London suggested 12-year-olds in the first year of secondary school could also benefit from small class sizes.
Christine Blower, acting general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, said: "The falling rolls in some schools really do present an opportunity to reduce class size. The government's target should be 20 by 2020 for all primary classes.
The ministry's spokeswoman said: "We know small class sizes in the early years is important which is why the legal class size limit for five-, six- and seven-year-olds is no more than 30.
"Today, only around one in 250 classes are unlawfully over legal limit."