Protect guidance for schools and education providers
What the risk looks like in your sector
Education settings are established environments with safeguarding, lockdown and evacuation procedures already in place. However, schools, colleges and universities may face risks linked to targeted threats, online extremism or wider community tensions.
Possible risks may include:
- targeted threats or hoaxes
- suspicious packages
- online extremist material
- community tension impacting pupils or staff
- social media misinformation
What Martyn's Law may require
Early years, primary, secondary and further education settings where 200+ are reasonably expected onsite are always classified as Standard Tier, even when 800 or more people are present. Enhanced Tier duties do not apply to these premises.
DfE‑funded independent training providers are included in this special consideration and will also remain in the Standard Tier regardless of size.
Higher education institutions and privately owned independent training providers are not covered by this special consideration. Their tier will depend on the number of individuals reasonably expected to be present; Standard Tier when 200-799 individuals are expected, and Enhanced Tier when 800 or more individuals are expected.
Where applicable, education providers may be required to:
- register qualifying premises when the SIA system opens
- appoint a responsible person
- undertake a proportionate terrorism risk assessment
- put in place clear emergency procedures
- ensure staff understand how to respond to an incident
- review plans alongside existing safeguarding and lockdown arrangements
Government guidance is clear that external consultants are not required; settings can achieve compliance through existing resources and government‑provided tools. Any measures should align with existing safeguarding and emergency planning frameworks.
See our Martyn's Law guidance page for full details and thresholds.
Practical steps
- review lockdown and evacuation procedures
- ensure safeguarding leads are aware of reporting routes
- brief staff on Run Hide Tell principles
- monitor online concerns appropriately
- maintain contact with local police and Prevent partners
Training and resources
- ACT Awareness (opens new window) for all staff
- ACT for Education (opens new window) e-Learning - bespoke training aimed all staff working in education settings
- ACT for Youth (opens new window) - for pupils aged 11 to 16
- Prevent Duty training where applicable
- Department for Education guidance on protective security and preparedness for education settings (opens new window)
Access further support via our training and resources page.