Martyn's Law for independent schools.
Martyn's Law applies to publicly accessible premises used for a qualifying activity where 200+ people may be present at the same time. Primary or secondary education counts as a qualifying use — so whether your school is in scope comes down to how many people could realistically be present, including staff.
When are independent schools in scope?
Assemblies, concerts, open mornings and lettings routinely take a school past 200 including staff.
The threshold counts the most people reasonably expected at once — including staff — even if that only happens occasionally. Check it against fire occupancy, ticketing or past event records, and record your decision either way. Typically the responsible person is the bursar or estates manager.
- Open days, performances, sports days and lettings change who is on site and where.
- You may already have lockdown and evacuation plans — Martyn's Law is about evidencing and reviewing them.
- Staff, pupils, parents and contractors all need to understand their part.
Evacuation
Getting people safely away from the premises.
Invacuation
Moving people into, or to a safer part of, the premises when leaving is not safer.
Lockdown
Restricting access to, or movement within, the premises.
Communication
Alerting people on the premises and sharing clear information quickly.
Get your school sorted in about an hour
PremiseReady walks you through the scope decision, the four procedures and a staff sign-off log — then exports a tidy evidence pack. Enforcement expected Spring 2027.
Start the free check