Fire alarms and security for schools and colleges
Fire alarms, lockdown and intruder alarms, access control, CCTV and emergency lighting for primary schools, academies, colleges and nurseries.
Fire and security for schools and colleges
Schools need a fire alarm that every pupil recognises, a way to keep visitors where they should be, and security that protects the site out of hours. Much of our school work happens during holidays and after hours so lessons are not disrupted.
What makes schools and colleges different
What we usually install
Fire alarms. Typically Category L2 or L3, often with P2 property protection for out-of-hours cover, and clear zone plans for staff.
Access control and visitor entry. Paxton door entry at reception and staff-only doors, linked to the fire alarm for release.
Intruder alarms. Monitored systems to protect the site out of hours, with separate areas for sports halls and community use.
CCTV. Gates, car parks, perimeters and building entrances, recorded and viewable remotely.
Emergency lighting. Corridors, halls and stairs, with tests timed for holidays.
Standards and responsibilities
Schools are covered by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, with the employer or governing body as the responsible person. Fire alarms should be designed and serviced to BS 5839-1. Under the 2025 edition, class-change signals can share the system only if they are clearly different from the fire signal and last no longer than 10 seconds.
Insurers often set requirements for intruder alarms and out-of-hours protection, especially where a school has suffered break-ins or arson. We will look at your policy wording with you.
How we work
For organisations with several buildings we offer a single maintenance contract covering every site, and we work across Yorkshire, Lancashire and Greater Manchester, the North East and the East Midlands.
Common questions
Can you work in school holidays?
Yes. We schedule installations and major works for holidays and after school wherever possible.
Can the fire alarm also be used for class-change bells?
Yes, if the class-change signal is clearly different from the fire signal and lasts no longer than 10 seconds, as BS 5839-1:2025 sets out.
Can you install a lockdown alarm?
Yes. We can provide a separate lockdown signal that is distinct from the fire alarm so staff know immediately which procedure to follow.
Do you work with academy trusts with several schools?
Yes. We can put all your schools on one maintenance contract with aligned service dates and reports for each site.
How often should a school fire alarm be serviced?
At least every six months by a competent person, with a weekly call point test by the school.