Alpha J Security · Educational security
Martyn’s Law & Education Security
Security for schools, colleges and universities in Sunderland, the North East and across the UK. Prepare for Martyn’s Law and plan day-to-day cover with an SIA Approved Contractor.
Security IndustryApproved Contractor
Security for education settings
School, college and university security
Plan cover around the way pupils, students, staff and visitors use your site, from the start of the school day to a public event on campus.
School security
Support for primary and secondary schools, academies and trusts, including visitor access, gate security and cover for school events.
College security
SIA-licensed officers and patrols for further education sites, with coverage planned around teaching hours, public access and evening use.
University security
Campus guarding, mobile patrols and event security for teaching buildings, public venues, open days and graduations.
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025
What Martyn’s Law means for education
Named in memory of Martyn Hett, who was killed in the 2017 Manchester Arena attack, the Act aims to improve preparedness and protective security at qualifying premises and events. Its duties apply on commencement.
Schools and further education
Qualifying premises used wholly or mainly for primary, secondary or eligible further education generally stay in the standard tier when 200 or more people can reasonably be expected at once, even if the figure reaches 800.
Universities and higher education
Qualifying higher education premises generally fall into the standard tier at 200 to 799 people and the enhanced tier at 800 or more. The threshold is based on who can reasonably be expected to be present at the same time, from time to time.
Campus events
Some publicly accessible events with controlled entry and 800 or more people expected at once can qualify separately. Education exceptions apply, including for events at qualifying school premises covered by the special rule.
For qualifying premises, the responsible person must notify the Security Industry Authority and have proportionate procedures for evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and communication. Enhanced-tier duties also include protective measures and documentation. The education guidance below applies to England.
How Alpha J can help
Put security plans into practice
We work with estates, safeguarding and event teams to agree practical cover that fits existing procedures and day-to-day operations.
Site and access review
Walk through entrances, exits, reception areas, queues and vehicle access with your estates or security team. Identify where operational changes could reduce risk.
Guarding and patrols
Arrange SIA-licensed officers, static guards or mobile patrols around your site layout and hours. Cover can include gates, receptions and shared campus areas.
Campus event security
Plan stewarding and security cover for open days, graduations and public events, with clear arrangements for entry, queues and escalation.
Staff procedures and briefings
Help security and front-of-house teams understand their responsibilities, how to report concerns and how to work with your existing incident plans.
Does Martyn’s Law apply to schools and colleges?
Qualifying premises used wholly or mainly for primary, secondary or eligible further education generally remain in the standard tier once they meet the 200-person threshold. Use the official education guidance to check how the rules apply to your setting.
Can a university fall into the enhanced tier?
Yes. Qualifying higher education premises generally fall into the enhanced tier if 800 or more people can reasonably be expected on the premises at the same time, from time to time. Identify the relevant premises and uses before assessing attendance.
Do we need to hire guards or buy CCTV?
The standard tier does not require premises to buy specific equipment or make physical changes to put public protection procedures in place. Any security service or measure should be chosen for your site and its risks. The responsible person retains the duties set out in the Act.
When do the duties apply?
The duties apply when the relevant provisions come into force. The Home Office published its statutory guidance in advance of commencement to give organisations time to prepare.
Speak to Alpha J Security
Discuss your education security
Tell us about your school, college or university, the areas you need to cover and any upcoming events. We’ll discuss the right security support for your site.
