How can education settings truly protect learners and staff in an era of rising physical security risks and increasingly complex threats? 

The UK’s education sector is operating in a heightened security environment, shaped by the government’s 2025 National Security Strategy, which places greater emphasis on strengthening resilience at home and protecting public spaces from physical and hybrid threats. Alongside this, the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 (known as Martyn’s Law) introduces new expectations for preparedness, including structured lockdown procedures, clearer duty holder responsibilities, and improved emergency planning in public venues such as education settings. At the same time, updated Department for Education Site Security Guidance continues to reinforce the importance of robust site security, proportionate risk management, and clear lockdown protocols across schools and colleges. 

Education providers are facing growing pressures: managing open campuses, balancing accessibility with security, addressing rising incidents of violence and disruption, and ensuring estates are designed and operated with safety in mind. At the same time, leaders must align safeguarding responsibilities with physical security planning, while maintaining operational continuity under increasing scrutiny and regulatory expectations. 

The Institute of Government & Public Policy is proud to present The Annual Security in Education Conference and Exhibition, which will bring together senior leaders from education, estates, facilities management, safeguarding, and security operations.  

Join the Institute of Government & Public Policy in Manchester for The Annual Security in Education Conference and Exhibition, which will explore practical, real-world approaches to improving site safety, strengthening emergency preparedness, and embedding security into estates strategy and design.