Martyn’s Law & School Security: What You Need to Know

Martyn’s Law and School Security: What You Need to Know — and Why It’s Time to Act

At SECUREIT, we understand that keeping pupils, staff, and school communities safe is at the heart of everything educators do. That’s why we’re urging schools across England and Wales to take note of the UK government’s newly passed Martyn’s Law (Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025) — and to begin preparing now. And the countdown for schools having their solutions in place has started.

This important legislation, named in memory of Martyn Hett who tragically lost his life in the Manchester Arena attack, introduces new legal duties for publicly accessible venues, including schools, to take steps to protect people from potential terrorist threats.

Martyn’s Law, officially the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, introduces new legal responsibilities for schools in England and Wales to enhance preparedness against potential terrorist threats. This legislation applies to publicly accessible premises, including educational institutions, and establishes a tiered framework based on the number of individuals reasonably expected to be present.​

What Does This Mean for Schools?

Schools are encompassed by Martyn’s Law due to their public accessibility and the number of individuals typically present. The law categorizes premises into two tiers:​

• Standard Tier: Applies to premises where 200 to 799 individuals are reasonably expected to be present. Schools falling into this category are required to:
  • Notify the appropriate regulator that the premises fall within the scope of the legislation.
  • Implement and maintain public protection procedures aimed at reducing the risk of physical harm to individuals in the event of a terrorist attack.
  • Ensure that staff are trained and prepared to respond effectively to such incidents.​
• Enhanced Tier: Applies to premises where 800 or more individuals are reasonably expected to be present. In addition to the requirements of the Standard Tier, schools in this category must:
  • Conduct thorough risk assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities.
  • Implement appropriate and proportionate security measures to mitigate identified risks.
  • Document the public protection procedures and measures in place, or proposed to be put in place, and provide this documentation to the regulator.​

The law has now received Royal Assent (April 2025) and schools have just 24 months to become compliant.

Why Starting Now Matters

Martyn’s Law received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025, and schools are granted a 24-month period to comply with its provisions. This timeframe allows educational institutions to assess their current security measures, develop necessary procedures, and train staff accordingly.​

Preparing for compliance takes time. From conducting assessments and planning procedures to installing physical security systems and delivering staff training, a well-paced, strategic approach is key.

At SECUREIT, our school security experts are already working with education providers to help them understand the implications of Martyn’s Law and implement tailored, compliant solutions that are practical, proportionate, and cost-effective.

“We know safeguarding is a priority for every school. Martyn’s Law ensures that protection from terrorism is embedded into that responsibility. Our team is ready to help schools navigate this legislation with confidence.”
— Philip Popham, Managing Director, SECUREIT

We’re Here to Help

The UK government plans to issue detailed guidance to assist schools in meeting the requirements of Martyn’s Law. This guidance will provide practical advice on implementing appropriate security measures and ensuring staff preparedness.​

For more detailed information and updates, schools can refer to official resources such as the Home Office’s Martyn’s Law factsheet.​

Whether you’re a small primary school or a large secondary campus, we can help you assess your needs, design protective procedures, and install the right systems — from access control and intruder detection to emergency response planning.

Contact SECUREIT today to start building a safer tomorrow — and ensure your school is fully prepared, protected, and compliant well before the deadline.