Protective security and preparedness for education settings
On 3 April 2025, GOV.UK enacted the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025. More commonly known as Martyn’s Law, this is named in memory of Martyn Hett, who was one of the victims of the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017.
The legislation builds upon the Protect and Prepare strands of the Government’s wider counter terrorism strategy, CONTEST, to enhance public safety by mandating preparedness for terrorist threats in public venues, including schools.
Although Martyn’s Law has officially become law, it does include a 24-month implementation period, which means schools have until April 2027 to fully comply with the law’s requirements.
Does it apply to schools?
It applies to publicly accessible premises where 200 or more individuals may be present. For schools, this typically includes:
- Primary and secondary schools with 200+ pupils and staff.
- Further education colleges and sixth forms.
The above would ordinarily fall under the Standard Tier of the legislation, which focuses on implementing proportionate and practical safety measures.
For settings with a capacity of less than 100, they will not be legally obliged to take action under Martyn’s Law. However, the principles of Counter Terrorism Protect and Prepare could be adopted to ensure their communities are safeguarded.
What does this mean for schools?
Standard Tier schools are expected to develop Public Protection Procedures:
- Inform the Security Industry Authority (SIA) that the school is within the scope of Martyn’s Law.
- Establish plans for evacuation, invacuation, lockdown, and communication tailored to the school's specific context. Ensure all staff are trained to recognise potential threats and respond appropriately. Implement routine drills to practice emergency procedures. Set up systems to communicate effectively during emergencies.
- Ensure all staff are trained to recognise potential threats and respond appropriately.
- Implement routine drills to practice emergency procedures.
- Set up systems to communicate effectively during emergencies.
What actions should schools take?
- Review current policies and make sure they include scenarios like terrorism or major threats.
- Practice lockdown drills.
- Train staff using the free ACT for Education Awareness eLearning.
- Follow your Trust or local authorities’ guidance.
- Download our Martyn’s Law Compliance Checklist
- Don’t panic! Compliance is required by April 2027
Protective security and preparedness for education settings – non-statutory guidance
The DfE have released a new non-statutory guidance to help schools better prepare for security incidents from minor disruption to more serious threats like terrorism. Although such incidents remain rare, the guidance is a timely reminder to plan proportionately and be prepared.
5 Key Takeaways for 2025
- Appoint a Security Lead: A security leadership structure led by a senior leader to promote a culture of safety.
- Contextual planning: Reflecting your school’s size, layout, local risks, and pupil needs including SEND. See Annex D a quick self-assessment tool which will allow you to determine your existing strengths and will assist you in identifying any gaps to help improve plans.
- Promote a Culture of Awareness: Whole school awareness of the “see, check and notify (SCaN)”, Hidden, Obviously suspicious, Typical (HOT), and responding to incidents RUN HIDE TELL protocols and models, helping pupils and staff feel confident, not fearful, about safety.
- Practise Drills: Taking into consideration your schools contextual needs and inclusivity plans:
- Lockdown
- Invacuation (moving inside for safety)
- Evacuation
- Plan Communication and Alerts: Clearly understood alert systems and responsibilities.
Package Clients! The resources listed, and additional resources, will shortly be available for download from the ‘Site Security’ area on your Resources Hub.
Resources
- ACT for Education Free eLearning
- CONTEST Counter Terrorism Strategy
- DfE Protective security and preparedness for education settings Non-statutory guidance
- Martyn’s Law Compliance Checklist
- Martyn’s Law Fact Sheet
- Protect UK Advice and Guidance
- Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 Fact Sheet
