Martyn’s law, terrorism and major incidents: Guidance for schools on protective security and preparedness in education settings
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act, known as Martyn’s Law, reached Royal Assent on 3 April 2025 with the aim of better protecting the public from terrorism and other major incidents.
The Act requires public premises upwards of a certain capacity to consider – and where appropriate, take – steps to reduce their vulnerability to acts of terrorism, leaving them prepared and ready to keep people safe in the event of a terror attack.
The Act establishes a tiered system. Those responsible for premises or events that fall within the scope of the Act must fulfil different requirements according to the number of individuals reasonably expected to be present. Where it is reasonable to expect that from time to time, over 800 individuals will be present contemporaneously, the premises (or event) will be subject to enhanced requirements.
In response to the Act, the Department for Education has published guidance for education settings aiming to improve security awareness.
The guidance is available – Protective security and preparedness for education settings
This non-statutory guidance is intended to help staff and learners identify security vulnerabilities and suspicious activities, prepare and draft plans and procedures to better deal with incidents at or near their education setting, and review any existing critical incident plans. It also sets out practical, low-cost steps to improve preparedness and response plans in the event of a terror attack, thereby helping to keep learners, staff and volunteers safe.
Steps the guidance outlines include but are not limited to the following:
- implementation of simple plans to improve protective security awareness and preparedness to deter terrorists/other security threats looking for a target;
- careful consideration of inclusivity and accessibility of plans and procedures for those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). This may involve the implementation of Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs);
- appointment of ‘security lead’ to develop and maintain policies and plans promoting good security culture, and ensured staff are familiar with plans and procedures;
- See, Check and Notify (SCaN) – the identification of suspicious activity;
- HOT (Hidden?, Obviously suspicious?, Typical of what you would expect to find in this location?) – identification of suspicious items;
- RUN HIDE TELL; Lockdown; Invacuation; Evacuation – responding to a live incident;
- compilation of a ‘grab kit’ comprised of key items that can assist during an incident; particularly with learners with SEND in mind.
For all premises and events, the Act’s requirements are subject to the concept of what is ‘reasonably practicable’. What is appropriate and reasonably practicable will be different for each premises that falls within the Act’s scope, and so the careful review of an education setting’s individual security, policies, plans and procedures is essential.
How Moore Barlow can help
If you require assistance navigating Martyn’s Law and the DfE’s associated guidance, please reach out to your regular contact in our Independent Schools Team who will be pleased to assist you.
