<p>Air pollution in and around the schools may affect children’s daily exposure as they spend a larger part of the day in school. Particulate matter, particularly PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ is important because they are related to respiratory and other child health effects. This paper systematically brings together studies on exposure to particulate matter in school settings and its health effects in school-age children. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using Google Scholar, Scopus and the Web of Science according to PRISMA 2020. 40 studies are included in the qualitative synthesis after screening. The studies that were reviewed were carried out in different geographical settings like those of India, Malaysia, Palestine, Kuwait, Rwanda, the UK, and so on. Different studies find variations in PM concentration. For selected indoor locations, PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ concentration was 10 ± 2&#xa0;µg/m³ and 29 ± 20&#xa0;µg/m³ in London classrooms. On the other hand, the naturally ventilated classrooms in Gaza show much higher average values of 103.96 ± 84.96&#xa0;µg/m³ and 349.49 ± 196.57&#xa0;µg/m³ respectively. Reported PM concentrations at numerous schools were above the guideline values of 15&#xa0;µg/m3 (for PM_2.5) and 45&#xa0;µg/m3 (for PM₁₀) set out by the WHO in 2021. It was generally seen that higher levels of PM were observed in schools in traffic corridors, densely populated areas, dust-prone areas and naturally ventilated classrooms. The health evidence showed mainly associations with respiratory symptoms, asthma-related outcomes, inflammatory biomarkers and reduced lung function. Some studies also found limited evidence of possible effects on cognitive development and school performance. In conclusion, the review highlights that schools are important exposure microenvironments for children. Many under-studied regions are in need of long-term local monitoring, source apportionment and personal exposure assessment as well as source-specific locally applicable mitigation measures.</p>