Martyn's Law for schools in Northern Ireland

Education · October 2026 · Aegis advisory team

Most schools in Northern Ireland with 200 or more people on site will be covered by Martyn's Law. Schools in scope are always treated as standard tier, so the focus is on clear procedures and well-briefed staff rather than new security hardware.

What is Martyn's Law?

Martyn's Law is the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025. It applies across the whole of the UK, including Northern Ireland, and the duties are expected to be enforced from spring 2027. The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is the regulator.

Is my school in scope?

Primary and secondary education, further education and childcare are all uses covered by the Act. A school is in scope if 200 or more people are reasonably expected to be on site at the same time. That count includes pupils, staff and visitors together.

• A post-primary school with 900 pupils and 80 staff is clearly in scope.
• A small rural primary with 90 pupils is likely to fall below the threshold on a normal day, but think about concerts, sports days and open evenings.

Who is responsible?

The responsible person is whoever has overall control of the premises. Depending on the type of school, that may be the board of governors, a trust or another managing body. Confirm who it is for your school, record it, and make sure that body notifies the SIA when the notification process opens.

Lettings matter. If community groups or clubs use your buildings, responsibility stays with the school unless it has been clearly given to someone else in writing. Check your letting agreements.

What schools have to do

Have public protection procedures in place, so far as is reasonably practicable, and make sure staff know them. There is no requirement to install new physical security for standard tier premises.

1. Evacuation

You already practise fire evacuation. Consider whether your assembly point and routes still work if the threat is outside or near an exit.

2. Invacuation

Bringing pupils in from playgrounds and playing fields quickly to a safer indoor space.

3. Lockdown

Many schools already have a lockdown plan. Check it covers how classrooms are secured, what happens at break and lunch, and how pupils with additional needs are supported.

4. Communication

A distinct signal for lockdown that staff and pupils recognise, how the office calls 999, and how and when you contact parents without putting people at risk.

Practical points for schools

• Use what you already have. Safeguarding, fire and lockdown procedures give you a strong base. Martyn's Law is about joining them up and filling gaps.
• Include everyone. Supply teachers, classroom assistants, catering, cleaning and after-school staff all need to know the plan.
• Plan for big events. Nativity plays, prize nights and sports days can bring far more people on site. Large ticketed events can count as qualifying events in their own right.
• Practise calmly. Age-appropriate drills build confidence without frightening pupils.
• Record decisions. Governors should be able to show what was considered and why.

Penalties

For standard tier premises, the SIA can issue fines of up to £10,000, with further daily penalties for continued non-compliance. Its stated approach is to advise and support first.

Steps for governors and principals

1. Confirm your realistic peak headcount, including events.
2. Confirm and record who the responsible person is.
3. Review existing lockdown, evacuation and communication plans against the four procedures.
4. Brief all staff, including part-time and contracted staff.
5. Check lettings agreements and add Martyn's Law responsibilities.

This article is general information, not legal advice. It reflects the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 and the Home Office statutory guidance published in April 2026. Check the current guidance, or speak to us, before relying on it for your own premises. Last updated October 2026.