Martyn’s Law, officially known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act, was passed in April 2025. For schools, colleges and nurseries, it introduces new responsibilities around safety and security.
The purpose of the law is to make sure places where large groups gather take proportionate steps to prepare for potential terrorist threats. For education settings, this means building on existing safeguarding and health and safety practices, but with a sharper focus on hostile risks.
Every school must now identify a responsible person to oversee security planning. This is similar in principle to safeguarding, with someone accountable for ensuring procedures are in place, staff understand their roles, and records are kept. Schools are also required to complete risk assessments.
These do not have to be specialist or complex, but they must identify vulnerabilities in site layout, entrances, exits and the way people gather or move through the premises.
The law sets out four specific procedures schools need to document and test: evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and communication. In practice, this means being able to move people out safely, bring them in if danger is outside, secure classrooms when necessary, and alert staff and students quickly and clearly. While many schools already practise elements of this, Martyn’s Law makes it a formal legal duty.
Proportionate Measures
There has been some concern the legislation could impose heavy demands on schools. In fact, all education providers are placed in the “standard tier” of requirements, regardless of size.
A large secondary school is not expected to operate like a sports stadium, and hosting events such as fairs, concerts or sports days does not automatically bring stricter rules. The emphasis is on what is reasonably practicable, given the setting and its resources.
It is also important to recognise that schools are not being asked to employ counter-terrorism experts or commission bespoke threat analysis. The focus is on realistic planning, proportionate procedures and ensuring staff are aware of their role.
Building a Culture of Readiness
Martyn’s Law is about prevention and preparedness. Just as schools already plan carefully for safeguarding and fire safety, this legislation strengthens readiness for hostile threats. Clear procedures and regular practice make it more likely that staff and students can respond quickly and effectively in a crisis, whatever the nature of the emergency.
Amthal’s role is to support schools in navigating these changes. We provide information, share best practice and help translate the requirements into practical steps that work for each educational environment. This includes advice on installation of surveillance systems where required.
The aim is compliance with legislation and confidence that the school community is totally protected. By focusing on proportionate action and informed planning, schools can meet their new obligations and strengthen trust with staff, parents and pupils.
