Is Your School Prepared for Martyn's Law?
What Educational Establishments Need to Know and How Turnstile Systems Can Help Improve Safety
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, better known as Martyn’s Law, became UK law on 3 April 2025.
It introduces requirements for venues to enhance public safety with tiered duties based on capacity.
For standard tier venues (200–799 people), this entails establishing basic procedures, including evacuation, lockdown, communication, and appointing a responsible person.
For enhanced tier venues (800+ people), further requirements must be adhered to; conduct risk assessments, implement physical security measures, and designate senior officers to oversee compliance.
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) will regulate and offer guidance during the 24-month rollout.
This isn't just legislation it's a call to rethink how we manage public safety in the built environment.
While Martyn’s Law doesn’t mandate the use of specific security equipment, it does require every educational establishment to take a proportionate and thoughtful approach to managing risk.
This is where proactive planning becomes essential, enabling schools and colleges to take confident steps in safeguarding their students, staff, and visitors through well-considered safety measures.
So, how do access control solutions like turnstiles fit into this new landscape, and how can UK Turnstiles help guide us through the new legislation?
Turnstiles play a significant role in enhancing security. They help control access, reduce unauthorised entry, and enforce one-way flows, fortifying standard-tier and enhanced-tier venues alike. This should reassure you and give you confidence in your venue’s security measures.
During emergencies, whether it’s an evacuation or lockdown, turnstiles can guide crowd flow, prevent bottlenecks, and help staff manage movement more effectively. This can significantly reduce the risk of panic and ensure a more orderly and safe evacuation or lockdown process.
UK Turnstiles always complete a full accountability and audit survey.
At UK Turnstiles, we go beyond simply supplying and installing access control systems; we conduct a comprehensive site audit to assess your current security measures and identify the most effective solutions for Martyn’s Law readiness.
Our audits evaluate all entry points, footfall patterns, and existing systems to ensure every recommendation is tailored to Martyn’s establishment’s unique needs.
Through our proactive approach, we help schools, colleges, and other venues strengthen their safety framework and prepare for the forthcoming legislation.
Our team can design controlled access systems for smaller sites or develop fully integrated solutions for larger campuses, combining turnstile entrance gates, CCTV, and access control software for complete peace of mind.
The result is a secure, efficient entrance system that restricts access to authorised users only, effectively eliminating tailgating and ensuring safe, fast entry for staff and students alike. The UKT-28 Speed Gate is backed by a 12-month guarantee, offering reliability, longevity, and peace of mind.
"With UK Turnstiles, you’ll have expert guidance, clear documentation, and a plan in place ensuring your site is secure, compliant, and ready for the future requirements of Martyn’s Law."
If your educational establishment is looking for a modern, secure, and efficient entrance solution, compliant with the latest UK safety regulations, we can help.
📞 Call us today to discuss your project.
📧 Or send us your requirements and get a free, no-obligation quote.
An example of a UK Turnstiles solution, the provision of Full Height Turnstiles with Metal Detectors
In line with the requirements proposed under Martyn’s Law, integrating metal detection into full-height turnstiles offers an efficient and effective way to screen individuals at entry points.
- Simultaneous screening: As each person enters the turnstile, they are automatically scanned for metal objects without slowing foot traffic.
- Lock and alert function: If a potential weapon is detected, the turnstile locks, sounds an alarm, and alerts on-site security, containing the individual safely within the unit.
- Deterrent effect: A visible screen system can discourage individuals from attempting to bring in prohibited items.
- Streamlined access control: Reduces the need for manual searches, speeding up entry while limiting human error or confrontation.
- Data Logging: Alarm events and throughput data can be captured to support future analysis and incident reviews.
- Additional measures: In some high-risk settings, turnstiles should be used alongside bag checks, roaming security personnel or canine units.
Is your educational establishment Martyn Law ready?
Have you considered the following questions in your security planning?
As part of our ongoing review of venue safety, we have assessed current systems, procedures, and physical layouts to ensure they align with evolving security expectations. We are actively reviewing risk levels, crowd movement patterns, and emergency response protocols so that our approach remains robust, compliant, and proportionate.
What access control measures are you considering for Martyn's Law compliance?
We are placing a stronger emphasis on controlled entry points and early-stage threat detection. This includes:
Reviewing how visitors are welcomed and screened
Evaluating staff training and briefing procedures
Considering layered access control to restrict unauthorised movement
Introducing clearer visitor management processes for contractors, suppliers, and event personnel
Our objective is to create a secure environment that is still welcoming, efficient, and inclusive.
Are turnstiles or speed gates part of your security toolkit, or could they be?
Turnstiles and speed gates are being considered as part of a more defined entry system. These solutions can support:
Improved crowd flow and queue management
A more visible and consistent barrier to unauthorised entry
Integration with ticketing or access control technologies
Enhanced data insight into attendance and capacity levels
If we determine that these measures balance guest experience with operational needs, they may be introduced as part of a phased security upgrade.
How is your venue preparing for this shift in public safety expectations?
We are proactively investing in training, awareness, and coordinated response planning. This includes:
Ensuring staff understand their roles during both routine operations and emergency situations
Engaging with local authorities and specialist advisors
Communicating clearly with visitors so they understand what to expect when attending our venue
Taking a layered approach to security, focusing not only on equipment, but on people, culture, and preparedness