This paper focuses on evaluating the performance of a new impinging jet ventilation system and compares its performance with a wall displacement ventilation system. Experimental data for an impinging jet in a room are presented and non-dimensional expressions for the decay of maximum velocity over the floor are derived. In addition, the ventilation efficiency, local mean age of air and other characteristic parameters were experimentally and numerically obtained for a mock-up classroom ventilated with the two systems. The internal heat loads from 25 person-simulators and lighting were used in the measurements and simulations to provide a severe test for the two types of ventilation systems. In addition to a large number of experimental data CFD simulations were used to study certain parameters in more detail. The results presented here are part of a larger research programme to develop alternative and efficient systems for room ventilation.