Education Today Education Today Magazine
Three-quarters (75%) of UK teachers, teaching assistants and support staff are unaware of any Martyn’s Law preparations taking place within their school, according to new research* from Little Green Button, as the Government publishes new statutory guidance on the Act.
The findings reveal a significant awareness gap across the education sector, with 44% of staff reporting they are unfamiliar with the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, otherwise known as Martyn’s Law, and a further 31% unaware of any preparations being made ahead of its introduction.
Beyond the requirements of incoming regulation, the findings also highlight concerns surrounding everyday preparedness and a clear funding issue. The majority of staff (58%) believe their school is not prepared for a lockdown or a major security incident, yet 87% say they lack sufficient funding to implement effective lockdown and security measures.
While enforcement of the new duties – covering lockdowns, evacuation, invacuation and wider preparedness – is not expected until early to mid-2027, this leaves little more than a year for schools to prepare, with the new guidance sharpening urgency by clarifying who falls within scope and what is required to comply.
Despite low awareness of the legislation, the Act applies to education settings where 200 or more people are reasonably expected to be on site at any one time, meaning the vast majority of UK schools fall within scope.
According to the research, low awareness of law changes is also accompanied by growing concern over school safety, with more than one-third (36%) of education staff stating that schools have become more dangerous places to work, and high levels of aggression reported among pupils, towards staff, and from parents.
Alex Jay, CEO of Little Green Button, said: “The scale of these findings is deeply concerning. Schools are being asked to prepare for serious security threats without the funding, tools or clear guidance needed to do so confidently – with many not even aware of the legislation they are expected to prepare for.
“The guidelines are clear – this is about being able to share information quickly and effectively during an incident to support a response and reduce harm. As such, now more than ever, schools need to ringfence time to assess risks across their site, consider how technology can support faster and clearer communication, and ensure they have a simple, well-understood lockdown plan in place, all of which should be tested regularly. Early preparation doesn’t just reduce risk, it builds confidence among staff, students, and parents; important both in the context of rising incidents and as we enter a new regulatory environment.”
