Martyn’s Law – officially the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 – was passed earlier this year. While it won’t be enforceable until 2027, schools and multi-academy trusts (MATs) are already in scope.
This new duty makes any site with more than 100 people responsible for proportionate security and emergency planning. For education leaders, that means building terrorism-specific resilience into the safeguarding measures they already practise. The two-year countdown has begun.
Where things stand
Martyn’s Law received Royal Assent in April 2025. The Department for Education has already published non-statutory guidance, with statutory regulations to follow.
Most schools and colleges will fall into the ‘standard tier’. This avoids the more demanding requirements of the enhanced tier but still places clear responsibilities on headteachers and trust boards. Each site must identify a responsible person and ensure their community is prepared.
Why schools and trusts need to act
- Clear accountability – every school must have a named responsible person, usually a headteacher or trust lead
- Proportionate procedures – evacuation, lockdown, invacuation and communication plans must be practical and tested
- Safeguarding evolution – Martyn’s Law builds on existing safeguarding, raising the bar to meet new risks
- Trust and reassurance – parents, governors and Ofsted will expect visible evidence of preparedness
By starting early, schools avoid last-minute pressure and show leadership in safety and resilience.
How Glide can help
Glide already supports schools and MATs across the UK with the connectivity and digital infrastructure that underpin both learning and safety. As Martyn’s Law approaches, that expertise becomes even more valuable.
- Resilient communications – reliable networks that ensure emergency alerts are delivered without fail
- Integrated security systems – access control, CCTV and visitor management that fit naturally into daily school life
- Simplified services – one partner for connectivity, monitoring and safety, reducing complexity for busy teams
- Future-ready reassurance – schools working with Glide today will already be well prepared when the law takes effect in 2027
Turning compliance into confidence
Martyn’s Law introduces new responsibilities, but it also creates an opportunity. Schools and trusts that engage now can demonstrate leadership, strengthen safeguarding and build trust with their communities.
Glide helps schools turn compliance into confidence, delivering the resilient infrastructure and support that makes safety part of everyday school life. Feel free to contact us below to talk through your requirements.
