The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, commonly known as Martyn’s Law, introduces new legal duties designed to improve preparedness for terrorist incidents at publicly accessible premises.
Although schools have always placed safeguarding at the centre of their operations, many school business managers, estates teams and academy trusts are now reviewing their security arrangements to understand how the new legislation may affect them.
While Martyn’s Law is not specifically about automated gates or physical security equipment, it encourages organisations to consider how people, procedures and site security work together to reduce risk and respond effectively in an emergency.
What Is Martyn’s Law?
Martyn’s Law was introduced following the 2017 Manchester Arena attack and is intended to improve public protection by ensuring organisations are better prepared for the unlikely event of a terrorist incident.
The legislation requires those responsible for qualifying premises to consider the risks relevant to their site and implement appropriate, proportionate measures based on their size and use.
For education sites, this is largely about planning, preparedness, communication and ensuring appropriate procedures are in place.
Does Martyn’s Law Apply to Schools?
Many schools, colleges, universities and education campuses may fall within the scope of the legislation, depending on factors such as occupancy and how the premises are used.
The duties introduced by Martyn’s Law focus on preparedness rather than requiring extensive physical security upgrades. Schools should review:
- Emergency procedures
- Evacuation and invacuation plans
- Lockdown arrangements
- Communication procedures
- Staff awareness and training
- Visitor management
- Site access arrangements
Every education site is different, and the measures required should always be proportionate to the level of risk.
Does Martyn’s Law Mean Schools Need New Automated Gates?
No.
Martyn’s Law does not require schools to install automated gates or other specific security products.
However, many schools are using the introduction of the legislation as an opportunity to review their existing access arrangements, particularly where sites have ageing entrance systems, limited visitor controls or outdated access management procedures.
For some schools, improving controlled access may form part of a wider safeguarding and site security strategy.
How Controlled Access Can Support School Security
Automated gates are only one element of an effective security strategy, but they can provide practical day-to-day benefits that also support wider safeguarding objectives.
Professionally designed entrance systems can help schools:
- Manage vehicle and pedestrian access
- Reduce unauthorised entry
- Control visitor access
- Secure entrances during teaching hours
- Support planned lockdown procedures
- Integrate with intercoms, access control and CCTV
- Improve traffic management during drop-off and collection
Every system should be designed around the way the school operates rather than applying a standard solution to every site.
Reviewing Existing School Gate Systems
Many automated gate systems currently in service were installed years ago and may no longer reflect current best practice.
Schools should consider:
- Is the gate reliable?
- Has it been professionally maintained?
- Are appropriate safety devices installed?
- Is visitor access managed effectively?
- Does the system support the way the school now operates?
- Is the documentation complete and up to date?
A professional review can often identify practical improvements without requiring a complete replacement.
Planning Ahead
Martyn’s Law should be viewed as an opportunity to review existing arrangements rather than simply introducing new equipment.
For many education sites, the priority is ensuring that procedures, people and physical security measures work together to support safeguarding and emergency preparedness.
Where improvements to entrance management are identified, professionally designed automated gates, access control and vehicle management systems can form part of that wider strategy.
How Premier Gate Automation Can Help
Premier Gate Automation supports more than 200 schools and education sites, providing professionally engineered automated gate and controlled access systems designed around safeguarding, operational requirements and long-term reliability.
Whether you’re reviewing an existing installation, planning a new school entrance or looking to improve access management, our experienced team can provide practical advice based on the way your school operates.
