School security assessment – protecting what matters most
At S2e, we now offer a school security assessment designed to help schools stay ahead of evolving threats while remaining aligned with UK government guidance and the principles of Martyn’s Law. With new legislation on the horizon, schools will be expected to demonstrate that their estates, policies, and procedures are robust, proportionate, and regularly reviewed.
Conducted through a detailed site inspection, our assessment provides a holistic overview of your school’s security posture. It covers physical infrastructure, procedural safeguards, and emergency preparedness - ensuring that the most critical threats to pupil and staff safety are identified and addressed with urgency and precision.
Why Martyn’s Law matters for schools
Martyn’s Law (also known as the Protect Duty) is designed to improve security in public venues following the 2017 Manchester Arena attack. For schools, this means demonstrating that risks are properly assessed and that proportionate mitigations are in place.
Our assessment ensures your estate aligns with the principles of Martyn’s Law by focusing on:
Proactive identification of vulnerabilities
Practical, proportionate security measures
Regular reviews to adapt to evolving threats
A culture of vigilance across the school community
Read the DfE’s Martyn’s Law for education settings policy paper.
What the assessment covers
Our methodology reflects the Department for Education’s grading criteria used in condition surveys, ensuring an evidence-based framework for decision-making. Key areas include:
Physical infrastructure – boundaries, access points, doors, gates, lighting, and CCTV.
Procedural safeguards – visitor management, staff awareness, and day-to-day security practices.
Emergency preparedness – incident response, escalation plans, and communication protocols.- recommendations are in line with current government guidance
This structured approach allows leaders to prioritise risks based on likelihood and impact, while ensuring compliance and readiness.
From compliance to strategy
Security should never be treated as a box-ticking exercise. An S2e school security assessment helps schools move from compliance to strategy by:
Safeguarding pupils, staff, and visitors
Reassuring parents, governors, and local authorities
Supporting capital funding applications with strong evidence
Demonstrating clear duty of care and risk management
Embedding annual reviews to keep pace with new risks
Your report becomes more than an audit - it is a strategic tool for protecting lives and strengthening resilience.
Why choose S2e?
S2e works exclusively with the education sector, delivering services from condition surveys to funding support and project management. This focus gives us a deep understanding of the challenges schools face: tight budgets, complex governance, and the need to minimise disruption to learning.
By applying this expertise, our school security assessments are proportionate, practical, and tailored. The outcome is a clear, actionable plan that elevates security from a compliance task to a pillar of estate management.
Strengthen your school security today
A school security assessment is an essential part of protecting what matters most - the safety of pupils, staff, and the wider school community.
To arrange an assessment or discuss how S2e can support your estate, contact us on 0116 5070130 or email enquire@s2e.org.uk.
FAQs on school security assessments
What is included in a school security assessment?
An S2e school security assessment covers physical infrastructure, procedural safeguards, and emergency preparedness. Findings are presented in a clear report using a RAG (Red, Amber, Green) rating system, where items are classified as low, moderate, or high risk. This approach provides an immediate visual overview of priorities, helping schools address the most critical issues first.
Is a school security assessment required by law?
While not currently mandatory, Martyn’s Law is expected to make structured risk assessments a legal requirement for schools.
How often should schools carry out an assessment?
We recommend annual reviews to ensure measures remain effective and aligned with current risks and guidance.
Can this help with funding applications?
Yes. A clear evidence base strengthens CIF and other capital funding bids.
