Martyn’s Law for Schools: Are You Ready for 2027?

Martyn’s Law is moving closer to implementation, and for schools across the UK, now is the time to understand what the new legislation will mean in practice.

Officially known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, Martyn’s Law introduces new requirements for certain premises to improve their preparedness for a terrorist incident and reduce the risk of physical harm to people on site. The Act received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025, with an implementation period of at least 24 months before its main requirements come into force. The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is currently planning for implementation from spring 2027, although the exact commencement date is still to be confirmed.

For schools, this does not mean installing expensive new security equipment or turning education settings into fortresses. The focus is on having proportionate, workable procedures in place and making sure staff understand what to do if the worst were to happen.

To help schools prepare, we have launched a dedicated Martyn’s Law Hub, bringing together the key information schools need to understand the legislation, their responsibilities and the practical steps they can begin taking now.

Does Martyn’s Law Apply to Your School?

One of the first questions school leaders should ask is whether their setting falls within the scope of the legislation.

Under Martyn’s Law, premises generally come into scope where it is reasonable to expect 200 or more people, including staff and learners, to be present at the same time.

Education settings have a specific consideration within the legislation. Early years, primary, secondary and further education premises that meet the 200-person threshold will remain within the standard tier, even where more than 800 people could be present. This differs from many other types of premises, where 800 or more people can result in enhanced-tier requirements.

Schools and education settings where fewer than 200 people can reasonably be expected to be present are outside the scope of the Act, although the Department for Education still encourages these settings to maintain appropriate emergency preparedness plans.

What Will Schools Need to Have in Place?

For schools within scope, the legislation is centred around public protection procedures.

These are practical procedures that can be followed if a terrorist attack is suspected to be taking place, either at the school or within its immediate vicinity.

Schools will need to consider procedures covering:

• Evacuation – safely moving people away from the premises.

• Invacuation – moving pupils, staff and visitors to a safer location within the premises.

• Lockdown – securing the premises to reduce the risk posed by an attacker.

• Communication – making sure staff, pupils and others on site can be alerted and given appropriate instructions.

  
  

The legislation requires appropriate procedures to be in place so far as is reasonably practicable. It is therefore about finding measures that are suitable for the individual school rather than applying the same solution to every setting.

Crucially, having a written procedure alone is unlikely to be enough in practice. Staff need to know that procedures exist, understand their role and be able to act effectively if they are required.

Introducing the AI Schools Martyn’s Law Hub

With guidance continuing to develop and schools already managing a wide range of competing responsibilities, understanding exactly where to begin can feel difficult.

That is why we have created the AI Schools Martyn’s Law Hub.

The Hub brings together practical information specifically for schools, including:

• An explanation of what Martyn’s Law means for education settings

• Information on which schools fall within scope

• The requirements for standard-tier schools

• Guidance around the responsible person

• Advice on preparing ahead of implementation

• Details of how AI Schools can support your school

• A free Martyn’s Law School Readiness Checklist

  
  

The aim is to give school leaders, business managers and governors a clear starting point without unnecessary complexity.

Preparing Your School for Martyn’s Law

Effective preparation for Martyn’s Law should not be about producing another document that sits on a shelf.

It should leave your school with procedures that are proportionate to your setting, understood by the people expected to use them and capable of working during a genuine incident.

At AI Schools, we work with education settings to develop practical critical incident and security procedures based around how each school operates. Our support includes Martyn’s Law preparation, Responsible Person Training, Governor Training and practical exercises designed to help schools turn plans into workable procedures.

If you are unsure how prepared your school currently is, visit the AI Schools Martyn’s Law Hub download our free Martyn’s Law School Readiness Checklist.