Martyn’s Law – officially the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 – introduces new legal duties to improve security and preparedness against terror attacks.
All schools and colleges will be affected.
This blog explains what does Martyn’s Law means for schools, including what steps to take and when you need to be ready.
Key Takeaways – What Does Martyn’s Law Mean for Schools?
- Every early years, primary, secondary and further education setting in the UK must comply with the new legislation.
- Schools are not expected to physically change the premises.
- Schools must carry out a terrorism risk assessment and create procedures for evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and communication.
- Enforcement begins in 2027.
What Is Martyn’s Law?
Martyn’s Law is the common name for the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025. The Act was introduced in response to the Manchester Arena attack and named in honour of Martyn Hett, one of the victims. His mother, Figen Murray, was a leading campaigner for the law.
The Manchester Arena attack exposed serious failings in venue security and emergency planning. At the time, there was no legal requirement for premises to assess the risk of a terrorist attack or plan accordingly. Martyn’s Law was introduced to close that gap.
Under Martyn’s Law, those responsible for certain premises and events must plan how they would respond to a terrorist incident. In some cases, they must also take steps to reduce the risk of harm.
Schools and colleges fall within the scope of this legislation – meaning Martyn’s Law will affect the education sector nationwide.
When Does Martyn’s Law Come Into Force?
Martyn’s Law received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025 – but it will not come into effect immediately.
The government has announced a 24-month implementation period. This gives schools and colleges time to understand what is required and put appropriate plans in place.
While the law is not yet active, you can take steps now to prepare. Taking steps in advance of Martyn’s Law coming into force will make compliance easier and more manageable.
Who Enforces Martyn’s Law?
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) will act as the regulator. Formerly responsible for overseeing the private security sector, it will now also support and advise duty holders affected by the legislation.
The 24-month lead-in allows time for the SIA to establish this new role and publish official guidance.
Once the law takes effect, the SIA will also be responsible for enforcement.
Is Every Country in the UK Affected?
Martyn’s Law applies across the entire United Kingdom – including England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
All education settings in the UK will need to meet the same core requirements under the legislation.
What Does Martyn’s Law Mean for the Education Sector?
Under Martyn’s Law, premises are considered standard tier or enhanced tier, based on capacity:
- Standard tier – premises with a capacity of 200 to 799 people
- Enhanced tier – premises with a capacity of 800 or more people
Schools are an exception. Regardless of capacity, all early years, primary, secondary, and further education settings are designated as standard tier.
This classification reflects the existing safeguarding measures schools already have in place, such as lockdown controls.
For standard tier premises, the high-level responsibilities include:
- Developing procedures for evacuation, invacuation, lockdown, and communication
- Ensuring staff awareness of these procedures
Martyn’s Law prioritises preparedness over physical alterations. The focus is on ensuring that staff and occupants are trained and ready to respond effectively in the event of a terrorist attack, rather than reinforcing your premises or setting up additional security.
How Can Schools Comply?
All schools and colleges must prepare for the risk of a terrorist attack by introducing four key safety procedures:
- Evacuation – safely getting people out of the building
- Invacuation – moving people to a secure area inside
- Lockdown – locking doors and securing the site
- Communication – alerting staff and pupils quickly in an emergency
These plans must be practical, proportionate and based on what is reasonably achievable for each setting. No physical changes to buildings are required, although you’re strongly encouraged to review your current security measures.
Do Schools Need Additional Security for Large Events?
No. Schools remain in the standard tier even if they host large events where more than 800 people are present, such as sports days, performances or open evenings.
This means schools are not required to implement the additional duties that apply to larger public venues in the enhanced tier.
However, schools should still ensure that their standard procedures (evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and communication) can be applied effectively during events where attendance is high.
What Will Martyn’s Law Mean for the Higher Education Sector?
Higher education institutions, such as universities, must also comply with Martyn’s Law. However, they can fall into either the standard or enhanced tier.
These sites are more open to the public and host a wider range of events, so they may need to meet the enhanced requirements.
Who Is Responsible for Compliance?
The legal duties set out in Martyn’s Law apply to the person with control over how a site is used – known in the legislation as the responsible person.
In schools and colleges, this will usually be the headteacher or a senior leader in charge of the premises.
This person is legally responsible for:
- Notifying the Security Industry Authority of their premises and arrangements
- Ensuring a terrorism risk assessment is completed
- Developing evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and communication procedures
- Making sure staff are aware of these procedures and know how to respond
While these tasks can be delegated, accountability stays with the designated responsible person. They must ensure that any action taken meets the requirements of the law and is appropriate for the school’s setting.
Support and guidance will be available through the Security Industry Authority once the implementation phase is complete.
Risk Assessment
Your school’s risk assessment must identify realistic terrorism threats and decide emergency responses
You’re not expected to predict every possible scenario. The aim is to identify realistic threats and determine how the four required procedures – evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and communication – would help protect people in practice.
Scenarios to consider might include:
- An unknown person attempting to enter through the main gates
- A suspicious item found on school grounds
- A vehicle approaching during drop-off or pick-up
Your risk assessment must be:
- Written down and stored securely
- Reviewed regularly – especially after changes to routines, layout or access
- Used to inform procedures and staff training
Official templates and guidance will be provided by the Security Industry Authority to help schools complete this step confidently and without the need for external consultants.
Responsible Person Training
If you’re responsible for a school or college, you need a clear understanding of the legislation of Martyn’s Law and what’s required of you.
Our online Martyn’s Law Training course is designed for duty holders like you. It isn’t school-specific, but will help you understand steps to prepare your school or college for compliance.
The course offers a practical overview of the legislation, your responsibilities and the four core procedures every qualifying premises must have in place. It’s delivered fully online, so you can complete it at your own pace, whenever your timetable allows.
About the author(s)
Jonathan Goby
