Martyn's Law marks a new chapter in school safety

From April 2025, The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act (‘the Act’), also known as Martyn’s Law, received royal assent. Named in memory of Martyn Hett, one of the victims of the Manchester Arena attack, the Act introduces a new legal framework to strengthen security and safeguarding measures for schools and public venues where 200 people (or more) are reasonably expected to be present.

For schools, Martyn’s Law marks an important step forward in keeping children safe in education (KCSIE). It builds on existing responsibilities to protect pupils, staff, and visitors by requiring practical and proportionate safety measures across school operations.

Strengthening safeguarding and security responsibilities

The Act applies to venues where 200 people (or more) are reasonably expected to be present and introduces two levels of duty:

• Standard Duty: Applies to venues holding between 200 and 799 people.
• Enhanced Duty: Applies to venues holding 800 or more people.

If applicable, the Act confirms that schools will only be subject to the standard duty regardless of size and capacity. In order to assess whether a school would be caught by this Act; whether it could accommodate 200 people at an event, numbers can be assessed in any reasonable way including for example fire safety limits or pupil/staff/visitor count.

School leaders can determine whether their premises are covered by the Act by reviewing factors such as fire safety limits or total pupil, staff, and visitor numbers.

Practical steps for schools

Schools can start preparing now to ensure compliance when the Act comes into force. The following steps will help strengthen safeguarding and security:

1. Review venues and events: Identify when and how the school premises are open to the public.
2. Update emergency plans: Align new measures with existing health and safety and safeguarding policies under KCSIE.
3. Train staff: Help all staff understand how to respond confidently and appropriately to potential incidents.
4. Improve communication: Set up clear channels for reporting, managing visitors, and sharing information.
5. Plan for compliance: Produce a timeline to assist schools in ensuring compliance by the required deadline.
6. Engage stakeholders: Keep governors, staff, parents, and insurers informed about new procedures and progress.

Integrating Martyn’s Law with KCSIE obligations

Schools already follow strong safeguarding and health and safety procedures under KCSIE. Martyn’s Law complements these existing frameworks by formalising the duty to prepare for and reduce security risks.

The focus remains on proportionality. Schools are expected to apply the requirements in a practical and balanced way. With a two-year implementation period before enforcement begins, schools have time to plan, review, and embed changes without disrupting daily routines.

Building a culture of safety and security

Martyn’s Law is not designed to add unnecessary complexity. Its purpose is to strengthen our foundations of safety and safeguarding. For schools, this provides an opportunity to review systems, reinforce good practice, and show continued commitment to keeping children safe in education.

Please refer to the Department for Education’s guidance on Protective Security and Preparedness for Education Settings and the policy paper How Martyn’s Law will Affect Education Settings when considering next steps. In addition to guidance, you will also find a very helpful template self-assessment tool  to support your security journey here. For more information, please contact our team.

Please note that the Act allows for further detail to be set out in secondary legislation, so it will be important to monitor any forthcoming regulations and guidance.

Stephanie Hughes is a Senior Associate at Geldards.