Martyn's Law for Schools
What education settings need to know about the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 — capacity thresholds, the DSI requirement, and a step-by-step compliance checklist.
Yes, Martyn's Law applies to schools — but the scope depends on capacity. A school with a reasonably expected capacity of 200 or more people falls under the standard duty (200–799). A school with a capacity of 800 or more falls under the enhanced duty. Most primary schools with smaller capacities may be below the 200-person threshold; secondary schools and further education colleges are more likely to be in scope.
Last reviewed: 8 July 2026
Capacity Thresholds Explained for Schools
The Act uses the concept of reasonably expected capacity — the number of people the premises can reasonably be expected to hold at any one time. For schools, this includes staff, pupils, and visitors at peak times (assemblies, performances, sports days, parents' evenings).
Out of scope. No duties under the Act.
Standard duty. Written procedures required.
Enhanced duty. Risk assessment, measures, and DSI required.
Many primary schools will fall below the 200-person threshold — particularly single-form-entry schools with small halls. Secondary schools, further education colleges, and schools with large performance venues or sports halls are more likely to meet or exceed the threshold. For detailed guidance on tier requirements, see our Standard Tier vs Enhanced Tier guide.
Compliance Checklist for School Leaders
Follow these steps to assess and build your school's compliance with the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025.
Determine your capacity
Establish the reasonably expected capacity of your school premises. Include staff, pupils, and visitors at peak times (assemblies, performances, sports days). If 200 or more, the school is in scope.
Confirm your tier
Capacity of 200–799 = standard duty. Capacity of 800 or more = enhanced duty. This determines the full scope of your obligations.
Identify the responsible person
Name the individual or organisation with control of the premises. For enhanced-tier schools, appoint a Designated Senior Individual (DSI) accountable for compliance.
Ensure staff awareness
Make relevant staff aware of the threat from terrorism and what to do if an attack occurs. This is the baseline duty for all premises in scope.
Develop evacuation procedures
Document evacuation procedures that account for the specific layout of your school, including assembly points, routes, and roles.
Develop invacuation and lockdown procedures
Document procedures for moving people to safety inside the building (invacuation) and for securing the premises (lockdown).
Establish communication plans
Define how staff and the public will be alerted during an incident. Include internal communication methods and emergency services contact protocols.
Write the public protection procedures
Compile all procedures into a single written document. This is mandatory even for standard-tier premises.
Enhanced-tier only: terrorism risk assessment
If your school is enhanced-tier (800+), carry out a documented terrorism risk assessment and implement public protection measures based on its findings.
Train staff and review regularly
Ensure staff understand their roles. Review procedures at least annually, and whenever circumstances change (new buildings, layout changes, capacity changes).
Training and Staff Awareness
Staff awareness is a baseline duty under the Act. Relevant staff must be aware of the threat from terrorism and what to do if an attack occurs. Many schools already have some of these procedures in place for fire safety — Martyn's Law extends the requirement to counter-terrorism preparedness.
For what effective training covers, the SIA's role as regulator, and what staff actually need to learn, see our Martyn's Law Training guide.
Schools — Common Questions
Does Martyn's Law apply to schools?
Yes. Schools are premises to which the public has access, so they are in scope of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 if they meet the qualifying capacity threshold. A school with a reasonably expected capacity of 200 or more falls under the standard duty, and a school with a capacity of 800 or more falls under the enhanced duty. Most primary schools with smaller capacities may be below the 200-person threshold, while secondary schools and further education colleges are more likely to be in scope.
What do schools need to do to comply with Martyn's Law?
Schools in scope must ensure staff are aware of terrorism threats, put in place public protection procedures (evacuation, invacuation, lockdown, and communication), and maintain written documentation of those procedures. Enhanced-tier schools (800+ capacity) must also carry out a terrorism risk assessment, implement public protection measures, and appoint a designated senior individual accountable for compliance. Many schools already have some of these procedures in place for fire safety — Martyn's Law extends the requirement to counter-terrorism preparedness.
What is a Designated Senior Individual (DSI) and does a school need one?
A Designated Senior Individual (DSI) is a named person who is accountable for compliance with the Act at an enhanced-tier premises. Only schools with a reasonably expected capacity of 800 or more are required to appoint a DSI. Standard-tier schools (200–799 capacity) must identify a responsible person but are not required to appoint a DSI. The DSI is responsible for ensuring the terrorism risk assessment is carried out, measures are implemented, and documentation is maintained.
Are primary schools treated differently to secondary or FE schools?
The Act does not distinguish between types of school — it applies based on capacity, not the age of pupils. Primary schools with a reasonably expected capacity below 200 are out of scope. Primary schools with 200 or more, and most secondary schools and further education colleges, will be in scope. The tier (standard or enhanced) is determined by the 200 and 800 capacity thresholds, not by whether the school is primary, secondary, or FE.