The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 - commonly known as Martyn’s Law - received Royal Assent in April 2025. For schools across the UK, that means a 24-month preparation period before the rules are expected to be enforced in April 2027.
While there’s still time, it’s important to start preparing now. The changes aren’t designed to create extra pressure for schools. Instead, the goal is to help education settings feel confident that they can respond quickly and effectively if the unexpected happens.
Martyn’s Law introduces a two-tier system, based on how many people your site can hold at once.
Schools in this category will need to introduce “reasonably practicable” procedures to help reduce harm during a potential terror incident. In practice, this means things like:
The focus is on practical steps that strengthen preparedness without creating unnecessary operational burden.
Larger schools and education settings will fall into the Enhanced Tier, which requires:
• Formal risk assessments
• Documented security planning
• More detailed procedures for responding to incidents
Martyn’s Law was introduced following the tragic Manchester Arena attack in 2017. Its aim is simple: help organisations be better prepared and protect the public. The Security Industry Authority (SIA) will act as the regulator once the law comes into force.
Think of the next two years as your runway, not your deadline. During this period, the government will release guidance explaining exactly what organisations need to do. Schools that start preparing early will have time to review processes, train staff, and make gradual improvements.
A good place to start is by asking a few simple questions:
• Do you know who is on site at any given time?
• Could you account for visitors quickly during an emergency?
• Are you able to show clear records of your processes if needed?
These are the practical foundations of Martyn’s Law compliance.
Most schools still rely on paper logbooks or basic sign-in sheets. These outdated methods create blind spots that become critical during emergencies or security incidents. When authorities ask who was on your premises during a specific timeframe, can you provide accurate, time-stamped records?
Martyn's Law doesn't just require having procedures in place. It requires demonstrating those procedures work effectively. Manual systems simply can't deliver the level of accountability the legislation demands.
Staff already juggle countless responsibilities. Adding complex security protocols on top of teaching, administration, and student welfare feels overwhelming. The challenge is implementing robust access controls that don't create operational bottlenecks.
Schools need systems that work seamlessly in the background, requiring minimal staff intervention while maintaining complete oversight. Reception teams shouldn't become security checkpoints, and teachers shouldn't spend valuable time managing visitor logistics.
Preparedness plans sound straightforward until an actual emergency unfolds. Can your school instantly identify every person on site? Do you know which visitors checked in but haven't checked out? When evacuation procedures activate, how quickly can you produce a reliable headcount?
Martyn's Law recognizes that effective emergency response depends on real-time data. Schools need immediate access to accurate information, not scrambling through incomplete records during critical moments.
Compliance requires evidence. Schools must demonstrate they've implemented appropriate measures, trained staff properly, and maintained consistent security protocols. Paper trails fade, get lost, or remain scattered across multiple locations.
Audit-ready documentation shouldn't require hours of administrative work. When inspectors arrive or incidents occur, schools need instantly accessible records that prove compliance efforts. The burden of proof falls on education settings, making comprehensive documentation non-negotiable.
The Standard Tier's requirement for "reasonably practicable" procedures offers flexibility, but also creates uncertainty. What's reasonable for a primary school differs dramatically from what's expected of a large secondary academy. Schools must balance security requirements against practical realities like budget constraints and staffing limitations.
Technology can bridge this gap. Purpose-built solutions designed specifically for education settings provide robust security without requiring significant additional resources. The key is finding approaches that meet legal requirements while fitting naturally into existing workflows.
Waiting until 2027 to address Martyn's Law compliance carries risks. Beyond potential legal consequences, delayed preparation leaves students, staff, and visitors vulnerable. Security incidents in education settings make headlines and destroy community trust that takes years to rebuild.
Schools investing in compliance now gain breathing room to test procedures, train staff thoroughly, and refine processes before enforcement begins. Early adopters can implement changes gradually rather than rushing last-minute solutions that may not work effectively.
It also provides reassurance to staff, parents, and the wider community that preparedness is taken seriously.
If you’re not sure where to start, focus on three simple areas:
Getting these fundamentals right builds a strong foundation for Martyn’s Law compliance.
Martyn’s Law represents an important step in strengthening preparedness across public spaces, including schools.
By taking a proactive approach now, schools can introduce thoughtful, practical measures that support staff, protect visitors, and help everyone feel more confident about safety on site. And with time on your side, preparation can happen steadily - without disruption to the everyday work that matters most.
To learn more about how Sign In App can help your school comply with Martyn's Law and streamline safety & compliance, book a demo with the team.