Martyn’s Law, officially known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, is set to introduce new responsibilities for a wide range of publicly accessible premises, including many education settings. Although the legislation is currently in its implementation period, now is the ideal time for schools and trusts to begin understanding what it means and how they can prepare.
What is Martyn’s Law?
Martyn’s Law was developed following the Manchester Arena terrorist attack in 2017 and aims to improve protective security and organisational preparedness across the UK.
The legislation requires those responsible for certain premises and events to consider how they would respond to a terrorist incident and to have appropriate plans and procedures in place to help keep people safe.
Importantly, the focus is on preparedness and planning, rather than costly security measures.
Does Martyn’s Law apply to schools?
Many schools (including primary schools, secondary schools, independent schools and Multi Academy Trusts) are likely to fall within the scope of the legislation, particularly where 200 or more people may reasonably be expected to be present on site at the same time.
Education settings have specific provisions within the legislation. Unlike some other sectors, schools remain within the standard tier requirements, even where larger numbers of people may be present.
This means schools should focus on ensuring they have appropriate procedures and arrangements in place rather than the additional requirements that apply to enhanced-tier venues.
What will schools need to consider?
Schools should begin reviewing their existing arrangements and considering how they would respond to a terrorist incident.
Areas that may require consideration include:
- Evacuation procedures
- Invacuation procedures
- Lockdown arrangements
- Emergency communication processes
- Staff awareness and training
- Roles and responsibilities during an incident
- Regular review of plans and procedures
Many schools will already have some of these measures in place through existing emergency planning, safeguarding, health and safety, and business continuity arrangements.
When will Martyn’s Law come into force?
The statutory guidance confirms that the implementation period is at least 24 months from April 2025. Most commentators and sector guidance therefore expect schools to need to comply from around April 2027.
Why schools should start preparing now?
Although the legislation is not expected to come fully into force until 2027, schools should use the implementation period to assess their current arrangements and identify any gaps.
Starting early provides an opportunity to:
- Review existing emergency plans
- Update procedures where required
- Ensure staff understand their roles and responsibilities
- Align plans with wider safeguarding and health and safety arrangements
- Build confidence across the school community
- Preparation does not have to be complicated. In many cases, it is about strengthening and formalising processes that are already in place.
How Vita Safety can help
Understanding new legislation can be challenging, particularly when school leaders are already balancing competing priorities.
At Vita Safety, we support schools and trusts with practical, proportionate advice that reflects the realities of the education sector. Our experienced consultants work with education settings across the UK, helping them develop effective health, safety, security and compliance arrangements.
Whether you’re looking to understand how Martyn’s Law may apply to your school, review your existing emergency procedures, or identify areas for improvement, we’re here to help.
Is your school ready for Martyn’s Law?
Register for our free webinar
To help schools understand the requirements of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, also known as Martyn’s Law, we’re hosting a free 30-minute Martyn’s Law webinar on Monday 6th October at 11:00am.
Designed specifically for busy education professionals, this practical session will explain:
- What the legislation means for schools
- Which settings are likely to be affected
- Key procedures schools should be considering
- Practical steps to take during the implementation period
In just 30 minutes, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of what your school should be doing now to prepare.
