Martyn’s Law is familiar to most of us, whichever industry or sector we work in. It aims to prepare premises across the United Kingdom for – and ensure they protect themselves from – terrorist attacks.
In this blog, we look at what Martyn’s Law means for schools, the challenges schools face, and how they can best meet the law’s requirements.
Martyn’s Law came into being after years of campaigning
In May 2017, a terrorist walked into Manchester Arena where hundreds of people, including children, were attending a concert by the American singer Ariana Grande. Detonating a suicide bomb, he killed 22 people.
Martyn’s Law came into being following years of campaigning by the mother of one of the victims. Figen Murray, mother of Martyn Hett, led a tireless drive to ensure that the faults which allowed the attack to take place should never happen again.
In 2022, she was awarded an OBE for her counter-terrorism work. By 2025, she was appointed as chair for the International Security Expo. She will lead the Advisory Council, helping to steer the event’s direction and growth.
The law will improve preparedness to respond to a terrorist attack
Officially known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, Martyn’s Law received Royal Assent in April 2025. Broadly speaking, it requires that people responsible for certain premises and events consider how they would respond to a terrorist attack. By complying with the law, those qualifying premises should be better prepared and ready to respond, thereby improving security and public safety.
A dedicated regulator has been named
The Government appointed the Security Industry Authority (SIA) as regulator for the law. The SIA will provide support and guidance, and act to address non-compliance. We are now in the middle of a 24-month implementation period before Martyn’s Law officially comes into force. This is to allow the SIA to fully establish its new function and for the affected premises to understand and plan for their obligations.
Statutory guidance on legal requirements has been published in 2026
In April 2026, the Government published statutory guidance under section 27 of the Act. This includes information on the legal requirements and the steps that affected premises must take to meet them. However, legally these premises do not need to comply until the Act comes into force in 2027.
Premises covered under the law are divided into two tiers
Martyn’s Law divides qualifying premises in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland into two tiers. Standard duty premises are reasonably expected to host 200 to 799 people from time to time, while the enhanced duty tier covers those with capacity for 800 or more.
How will Martyn’s Law affect schools?
Early years, primary, secondary and further education settings have a special consideration under the law. This means they come under the standard tier, even if 800 or more people are expected to be present, for example for a concert or event. This rule will also apply to DfE-funded independent training providers.
Privately owned training providers and higher education institutions, however, will not fall under the special consideration. As such, their tier categorisation will depend on the number of individuals expected to be present.
Why is Martyn’s Law important for schools?
Schools and other educational sites are unlike many other types of premises. They can be very open and accessible in terms of entry and exit points. Large numbers of children move around the site throughout the day. Visitors such as parents or workmen can be present, sometimes at short notice or unpredictable times. At peak times, such as drop-off or pick-up, the number of people on-site and in the vicinity can rise considerably.
All these factors make emergency planning more complex than it would be for other organisations.
A clearly communicated and co-ordinated emergency response must ensure that everyone on site understands what is happening and what to do. Even if they have not been trained in the procedures, as will be the case for infrequent visitors for instance.
Discover how Bodet Time can help you keep your school safe every day. Call us on 01442 418800 or email enquiries@bodet-time.co.uk for a free, no-obligation quote.
A lockdown emergency plan has always been needed in schools
Schools have always needed a lockdown emergency plan even before the advent of Martyn’s Law. Although a terrorist attack is at the extreme end of the scale, they needed to be prepared for all emergencies that could necessitate a lockdown. These could range from an angry parent causing a disturbance on school grounds, to a nearby fire emitting noxious smoke. The ability to respond quickly and effectively can make a significant difference to the situation’s management and outcome.
In this day and age, we needed a more versatile system that would enable us to communicate quickly and clearly to all staff and students what to do should a situation arise that required a lockdown protocol rather than evacuation.
Director of Operations, Djanogly Learning Trust
Actions schools must take under Martyn’s Law
Under Martyn’s Law, certain actions or steps are mandated and will strengthen the existing plan.
One of the most important steps is identifying and confirming a “responsible person” for the premises. This individual is defined as “the person who has control of the premises in connection with their relevant Schedule 1* use.” (*Schedule 1 of the Act outlines the premises’ use, for example primary education).
It would be most appropriate if this person were a member of the senior leadership team. In the majority of cases, it is likely to be the headteacher. It is essential to notify the SIA of who holds the responsibility, and of when they cease to hold it.
The responsible person must put appropriate protection procedures in place, as far as reasonably practicable. They will have to cover four key areas:
- Evacuation – making sure people get safely off the premises and away from the danger. Where are your fire assembly points or alternative exits?
- Invacuation – bringing people in from outside, or moving them to a safer place within the premises
- Lockdown – securing the premises and keeping everyone safe and hidden inside (For more on how to do this well, read our blog: What is a lockdown in schools?)
- Communication – instantly alerting everyone on the premises to the danger and the action to take, thereby avoiding delays
Are you the responsible person for your school? You can find more information on your obligations under Martyn's Law in this Government factsheet.
Complicated or expensive procedures are not required
Martyn’s Law is not designed to be a punitive measure. The precautions are not supposed to be onerous or place a huge burden on schools and other education settings, financially or otherwise. They should be “reasonably practicable” and focus on simple, low-cost policies and procedures.
Will Ofsted inspect my readiness for or compliance with Martyn’s Law?
The SIA is responsible for ensuring that affected premises comply with the requirements of Martyn’s Law. Yet, there are wider considerations beyond the possibility of regulatory action. Your readiness, or lack thereof, could affect the school’s reputation. It may be that parents want to know your policies before considering sending their children to your school.
While Ofsted does not directly assess compliance with Martyn’s Law, it does examine schools’ safeguarding culture. The procedures you put in place for Martyn’s Law can complement your existing safeguarding policies.
As this blog from the Government’s education hub states: “Safeguarding is about making sure children are safe and protected from harm while at school or college. This includes preventing risks such as abuse, neglect, or any other dangers that could affect a child’s well-being.”
With our Bodet system... if an emergency situation arises, it activates special alerts so everybody knows exactly what’s happening and the actions they need to take.
Facilities Manager, Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle, London
Practically speaking, how can I help my school to meet its obligations?
In a lockdown alert system, you need speakers, sounders, and a means to launch, cancel and manage alerts. But a good lockdown alert system is more than simply pieces of kit installed in the gym or school hall. It should be flexible, easy to use, and customisable to your school’s needs.
How Bodet Time can help you comply with Martyn’s Law
Bodet Time’s Harmonys range will ensure you are ready to meet the new requirements.
Fully customisable to your school’s needs
This flexible system features indoor/outdoor sounders, button boxes, and remote triggering. You can tailor it to suit your own site size and layout, whether this is a collection of old Victorian buildings or an ultra-modern campus.
Issues targeted and efficient communication to reduce unnecessary disruption
Dangerous delays happen when you rely on outdated or inconsistent systems. You can broadcast bells, live or pre-recorded messages using the Harmonys solution. It allows you to send alerts to specific zones or entire sites, so is ideal for multi-building or multi-site schools.
Distinguishes between different types of emergencies
Different types of emergency, such as lockdown or evacuation, require a different type of response. Bodet Time’s Harmonys system offers a range of different melodies which can be allocated accordingly to distinguish between the different emergencies. This will reduce confusion and ensure everybody is kept in the safest place, whether in the classroom or outside, and quickly.
Supports all students and staff with inclusive, accessible alerts
Strobe lighting and text displays support hearing-impaired students and staff, ensuring messages are received even in noisy environments. This type of communication is also beneficial for SEND students, who may be alarmed by harsh noises.
Generates a faster, more efficient emergency response
The Bodet Alert app enables real-time alert management and helps you eliminate delays in your response. Trigger the alert wherever you are and use geolocation to direct help precisely where it’s needed. The app even stores your emergency plans, so you won’t need to struggle to remember them.
Easy to install and integrate
Harmonys runs via your existing IT network using PoE (Power over Ethernet). So, you will not need any complex infrastructure. It’s a quick, cost-effective setup.
Discover how Bodet Time can help you keep your school safe every day.
