Frequently Asked Questions on Martyn's Law and Lockdown in Schools

No.  This is not about a significant threat to the sector - please do not be worried.  Rather this is about a change in terrorist modus operandi, from high complexity attacks on high profile targets to low complexity attacks anywhere at any time.  The terrorist threat is no longer easy to predict, leading to a change in Government strategy:  from protecting high profile sites - to protecting people going about their daily business wherever they might be.   This includes when they are at school, college and university. 

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 is now law, although there is an implementation period of at least 24 months before the substantive requirements come into force. However, Martyn's Law supports existing Government objectives around preparedness, protective security and public safety. Education settings should already be considering a range of risks, including terrorism, as part of their wider safeguarding, emergency planning and risk management arrangements. By reviewing your current arrangements now, you can identify gaps, strengthen preparedness and put your organisation in a stronger position for future compliance

Counter-Terrorism Protect and Prepare is not about turning education settings into fortresses.  Nor is it necessarily about massive capital investment.  It's about a layered approach which includes awareness, training, effective policies and plans that are tested and rehearsed.  Think of it as placing a new lens over your existing policies and plans to identify any gaps and then coming up with sensible, proportionate ways to fill those gaps and make your community as safe as possible.

You do not, though a basic understanding of the threat from terrorism will help you.  There are many free resources that can be found on ProtectUK that can support and inform you.  

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is the regulator for the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025. It will oversee compliance with the legislation and has powers to inspect premises, gather information and take enforcement action where necessary. The SIA is expected to publish further guidance setting out how it intends to exercise these functions in practice

The time required will depend on the size and complexity of your setting. For a typical medium-sized school or college, I would usually expect to spend between half a day and two days on site.  I also work remotely to review your policies and procedures.  This work informs a detailed report, including practical recommendations tailored to your organisation. Larger or more complex sites may require additional time to ensure a thorough assessment.

Of course.  I regularly work with settings facing a specific threat.  I will always endeavour to prioritise this work so please call me at any time if you are concerned about a credible threat to your site, pupils or personnel.

The cost of my consultation will depend on the size and complexity of your education setting.  Discounted rates are available for multi-academy trusts which I will happily talk you through.  For complex (Enhanced Tier) sites, quotes will depend on a number of factors including size, location and type of campus.