The importance of safety in schools cannot be overstated. With over nine million pupils attending educational institutions across England alone, creating a safe and secure learning environment is fundamental to protecting young people, staff and visitors.

Understanding how to improve school safety and security is essential for education leaders who want to protect their communities while maintaining a welcoming learning environment. Our guide provides practical tips to help you assess and enhance the safety measures across your educational estate.

Why is safety and security in schools so important?

School building security directly impacts the wellbeing of everyone who uses your facilities. A secure space protects against unauthorised access, reduces the risk of accidents and ensures compliance with health and safety regulations.

Robust safety measures also support academic achievement by creating stable conditions for students to feel secure enough to engage fully with their learning. Parents are more likely to trust schools that demonstrate a clear commitment to safety too, while staff can perform their duties more effectively when they know appropriate measures are in place.

Essential areas to focus on when making schools more secure

Perimeter security and access control

Your school’s perimeter forms the first line of defence against unauthorised access. Secure fencing, controlled entry points and clear sight lines help monitor who enters and exits your premises. Consider implementing:

• Visitor management systems that require all guests to sign in and receive identification badges
• Key card or fob systems for staff access to different areas of the building
• Reception areas positioned to monitor main entrances effectively
• Clear policies about which doors should remain locked during school hours

Emergency systems and procedures

Reliable emergency systems are crucial for responding quickly to incidents. Regular testing and maintenance ensure these systems function when needed most. Key components include:

• Fire detection and alarm systems that meet current British Standards
• Emergency lighting that guides people to safety during power failures
• Communication systems that allow instant contact with emergency services
• Clearly marked evacuation routes with unobstructed exits

Building maintenance and hazard prevention

Well-maintained buildings are safer buildings. Regular inspections help identify potential hazards before they become serious risks. Focus on:

• Maintaining playground equipment and outdoor areas to prevent accidents
• Addressing structural issues promptly through professional building surveys
• Keeping electrical systems up to date and regularly tested

How do I create a safe and secure learning environment?

Creating genuine safety requires balancing security measures with maintaining a positive educational atmosphere. Heavy-handed approaches can make schools feel unwelcoming, while inadequate measures leave vulnerabilities exposed.

Start by conducting a comprehensive risk assessment of your entire estate. This should examine everything from building structure and mechanical systems to outdoor spaces and storage areas. RICS-certified surveyors can provide professional appraisals that identify both immediate concerns and longer-term maintenance needs.

Involve your whole school community in safety planning. Staff members often have valuable insights about daily operations, while students may notice issues that adults overlook. Regular safety meetings can ensure ongoing attention to emerging risks and changing needs.

Funding improvements to school building security

Several government funding schemes can support safety and security improvements in educational buildings. These include:

• School Condition Allocation (SCA) for maintained schools
• Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) for academies and sixth-form colleges
• Urgent Capital Support (UCS) for emergency situations

Our funding specialists understand the application processes and can help you present compelling cases for security-related improvements.

Get professional support for school safety and security improvements

Making schools more secure requires expertise across multiple disciplines, including building surveying, security planning and project management. Our 180 years of experience in the property sector let us identify risks others might miss and recommend practical solutions that fit your budget and operational needs.

Whether you need a comprehensive safety audit, help securing funding for improvements or project management support for property upgrades, please call 0808 253 9150 or complete the form below to discuss how we can help make your school safer and more secure.