Martyn’s Law is the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, which received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025. It is part of the UK government’s strategy to strengthen the security of public venues and events, aiming to ensure that such premises are better prepared for, and able to respond to, terrorist threats.
The Act is named in honour of Martyn Hett, who tragically lost his life in the Manchester Arena attack in 2017. It has been driven by the tireless campaigning of his mother, Figen Murray, who has worked to ensure that lessons are learned and lasting protections are put in place.
The government intends an implementation period of at least 24 months before the Act comes into force, so it is essential that school leaders understand its implications—both in terms of legal duties and the wider responsibility to safeguard pupils, staff, and visitors.
What Does Martyn’s Law Mean for Schools?
Martyn’s Law introduces a tiered approach based on the nature of the activity and the number of people reasonably expected to be present at any one time.
The law identifies two key tiers of duty:
Standard Duty
Applies to premises where 200 to 799 individuals are reasonably expected to be present. Key requirements include:
- Notifying the regulator that the premises fall within the scope of the legislation.
- Implementing appropriate and reasonably practicable public protection procedures, such as:
- Evacuation, invacuation, and lockdown plans.
- Clear communication strategies for those on site during an incident.
There is no requirement under standard duty to implement physical security infrastructure.
Enhanced Duty
Applies where 800 or more individuals are expected. Early years, primary, secondary and further education premises have a special consideration: they stay in the standard tier even if they expect 800 or more people, so enhanced duty requirements do not apply to schools.
Key Implications for School Leadership
For many schools—especially larger ones—these new duties will have operational, procedural, and strategic implications.
Risk Assessment and Emergency Planning
School leaders will need to review and, where necessary, revise emergency procedures to include specific threats such as terrorist attacks. Plans should incorporate controlled evacuation, invacuation, and lockdown protocols.
Staff Training and Awareness
All staff should be trained in the new procedures. Ongoing professional development should include terrorism response awareness and role-specific guidance.
Communication and Information Sharing
Schools must establish clear and efficient systems to share information during an incident, including with students, staff, and parents. Provisions for pupils with SEND or other communication needs should be embedded.
Regulatory Engagement
The newly created regulator—likely within the remit of the Security Industry Authority—will oversee compliance. Schools will be required to notify the regulator if they meet the relevant criteria.
Proportionality and Support
The government has confirmed that the law will be implemented with proportionality in mind. For smaller schools, the emphasis will be on procedural preparedness rather than physical infrastructure.
Practical, accessible guidance will be published for duty holders, and there will be no requirement for schools to employ specialist expertise in order to comply.
Preparing for Implementation
Martyn’s Law became law on 3 April 2025. The government intends an implementation period of at least 24 months before it comes into force to allow schools and other duty holders to prepare.
During this time, school leaders should:
- Assess whether their premises expect 200 or more people at the same time (standard duty).
- Begin reviewing and updating emergency plans.
- Access and act on published guidance.
- Train key staff and develop internal expertise.
Final Thoughts
Martyn’s Law represents a proactive step in improving public safety and resilience. For schools, it formalises expectations that many already fulfil under safeguarding and health and safety regulations.
However, the law introduces new levels of responsibility and accountability. Leadership teams should begin preparing now—integrating new requirements into existing systems, prioritising staff training, and engaging with regulatory developments.
By doing so, school leaders will not only ensure compliance but strengthen their school’s ability to protect its community in the event of a serious incident.
