Martyn's Law for Schools: What You Need to Know Before April 2027
What is Martyn's Law?
Martyn's Law is the common name for the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025. It requires premises where the public gather, including schools, to plan for and reduce the impact of a possible terrorist attack.
It's named after Martyn Hett, one of the 22 people killed in the 2017 Manchester Arena attack, and was campaigned for by his mother, Figen Murray. The Act received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025.
Timeline
3 April 2025
The Act receives Royal Assent
April 2026
The Home Office publishes its Section 27 statutory guidance, setting out in detail what's required of schools and other qualifying premises
April 2027
Martyn's Law is expected to come into force, following a 24-month implementation period
Martyn's Law applies to any school where 200 or more people may reasonably be expected to be present at the same time. This includes ordinary school days as well as larger events such as assemblies, sports days, plays and parents' evenings.
Most schools fall into the standard tier (200 to 799 people). Larger colleges, universities or multi-site trusts with a very large single site may fall into the enhanced tier (800 or more people), which carries additional requirements.
Does it apply to my School?
What standard tier schools need to do
So far as is reasonably practicable, standard tier schools need to:
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Carry out a terrorism risk assessment
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Put in place clear procedures for evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and communication
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Make sure staff are aware of these procedures and able to act on them
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Notify the SIA as the responsible person
Schools aren't expected to make physical changes to their premises. The emphasis is on planning, training and proportionate preparedness, not new equipment or building work.
The responsible person is usually the Headteacher or Principal, though day-to-day delivery is often delegated to a School Business Manager or Estates Lead. Overall accountability sits with the governing body or trust, even where responsibility for delivery is delegated.
Who is the responsible person?
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is the regulator for Martyn's Law. It previously regulated the private security industry and now also advises and regulates premises covered by the Act. The SIA has the power to inspect premises and take enforcement action where duties aren't being met.
Who is the SIA?
If your school hires out its premises for weddings, community use or other events, the Home Office's statutory guidance confirms this doesn't create a separate qualifying event. Your school remains standard tier regardless of the size of the event, and responsibility stays with the governing body or trust. It's good practice to set out public protection duties clearly in the hire contract.
What about external events on our site?
What should schools be doing now?
There's no legal duty to comply until Martyn's Law formally commences, but schools that start preparing now will be refining tested procedures rather than starting from scratch when the deadline arrives.
A sensible starting point:
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Confirm your tier and named responsible person
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Carry out a terrorism risk assessment
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Draft or update your evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and communication procedures
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Train your SLT and key support staff
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Rehearse your plans with a tabletop exercise
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Set a review date to keep everything current as further guidance is published
How AI Schools can help
We work with schools across the UK and Europe to build proportionate, workable Martyn's Law procedures, not generic paperwork. Our team is led by senior police commanders with decades of experience in diplomatic and commercial security operations.
A one-day route to standard tier compliance
So your governing body understands its oversight role
