Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025: enforcement prep

Although the Terrorism Act received Royal Assent in April 2025, there is an implementation period of at least 24 months before it comes into force, giving schools time to prepare and understand their new obligations.

How does the Terrorism Act impact schools?

The Terrorism Act requires certain premises and events to take steps to prepare for potential terrorist attacks and to help keep people safe in the event of an attack. In addition, larger premises and events will be required to consider and, where appropriate, take steps to reduce their vulnerability to acts of terrorism.

The obligations placed on persons responsible for certain premises vary, given that the Terrorism Act separate obligations into those for  ‘standard duty premises’ and ‘enhanced duty premises’. Schools and colleges are ‘standard duty premises’.

As ‘standard duty premises’ schools are required to have in place, so far as is reasonably practicable, appropriate public protection procedures that may be expected to reduce the risk of physical harm to individuals if an act of terrorism occurred at the premises or in the immediate vicinity. They are procedures to be followed by people working at the premises where they suspect an act of terrorism is occurring, or is about to occur, at the premises or in the immediate vicinity.

The requirements are focused on enacting policies and procedures to improve staff preparedness and responses. The Terrorism Act does not require physical alterations to premises or the purchase of equipment for the purpose of having these procedures in place.

Specifically, schools will need to appoint a ‘responsible person’ to oversee compliance with the Terrorism Act, register their premises with the new regulatory function within the Security Industry Authority (SIA), and develop policies and procedures, such as lockdown and evacuation plans.

How will the Terrorism Act be enforced?

The SIA will establish a new security function to implement the Terrorism Act. The SIA will support, advise and guide schools to meet the requirements of the Terrorism Act and can take enforcement action where there are in the case of serious or persistent non-compliance. This may include issuing compliance notices, monetary penalties and restriction notices.

What should schools be doing to prepare?

As noted, there is a 2-year lead in time for schools to understand their obligations and take steps to ensure compliance with the Terrorism Act. As an early steps schools should  identify a suitable responsible person who can then support to train other members of staff to ensure consistent understanding if the school’s obligations across the school.

We can also support schools to prepare policies and procedures aligning with the obligations set out in the Terrorism Act. This will include plans to evacuate individuals from the premises to move people to a where there is less risk of physical harm; to prevent people entering the school premises; and giving people necessary information in relation to the premises.  We will provide further updates should guidance be published to support schools to understand the requirements set out in the Terrorism Act.