Fire Safety in Schools: If You Only Read One Compliance Guide, Make It This One

Schools are predictable in their unpredictability. You never know when a pupil will set off the alarm by burning toast in food tech, but you can guarantee that any scheduled fire drill will happen at the worst possible time.

Fire safety isn’t the most exciting topic, but it’s one of the few non-negotiables in school life—right up there with making sure the staffroom biscuits actually last past Monday.

A school fire may be rare, but when it happens, it’s a serious business. 

The Law (Or: Why You Can’t Just ‘Risk It’)

In the UK, school fire safety is governed by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. It says that someone—usually the headteacher, site manager, or estates team—is responsible for ensuring:

✔️ Fire risk assessments are carried out – So hazards are spotted before they become actual problems.

✔️ Alarms and detectors work – Because discovering they don’t after a fire starts is not ideal.

✔️ Escape routes are clear – No tripping hazards, no confusion, and definitely no stacks of forgotten PE mats in the corridor.

✔️ Fire drills are regular and effective – Yes, they’re disruptive, but also yes, they could save lives.

✔️ Fire-fighting equipment is functional – Extinguishers should be checked before an emergency, not during one.

Fire Safety By Design: More Than Just a Checklist

Fire safety isn’t just about ticking compliance boxes—it’s baked into school design. Building Bulletin 100 (BB100) helps ensure that:

🔹 Alarms are loud enough to make even the sleepiest Sixth Former jump.

🔹 Escape routes are practical (not a maze of doors that may or may not be locked).

🔹 Fire-resistant materials are used to slow down the spread of flames.

In short, BB100 turns fire safety from a chore into a well-thought-out system that schools can actually rely on.

The Challenge for Multi-Academy Trusts: Herding Fire Safety Like It’s a Full-Time Job

If running fire safety in one school is a challenge, try managing it across ten, twenty, or more.

Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) have the tough job of ensuring that every school under their umbrella is compliant—and let’s face it, there’s always that one school where paperwork seems to vanish into thin air.

The best way to stay in control? Go digital. A centralised compliance system means:

✔️ Every school follows the same process—no wild variations.

✔️ Records are easy to find—no frantic searches before an inspection.

✔️ Reminders and updates are automatic— consider software.

The Real Fire Risk: Not Just Bad Wiring, But Bad Intentions

I read that over 60% of school fires are caused by arson, which means security is just as important as fire alarms.

A real-world example? In October 2024, Oasis Academy Hadley in Enfield had to evacuate after someone deliberately launched fireworks at the building.

This isn’t a one-off. Schools are targets for arson, often due to easy access points or inadequate security.

To reduce risk, schools should:

✔️ Secure access points—a locked gate is a simple but effective deterrent.

✔️ Install CCTV—because people behave better when they know they’re being watched.

✔️ Keep outdoor areas well-lit—troublemakers tend to avoid bright spaces.

Making Fire Safety a Habit (Not Just an Inspection Day Panic)

Fire safety shouldn’t be an afterthought—it should be part of daily school life. Here’s how to make it work:

🔹 Appoint a Fire Safety Lead – Someone needs to take charge, and it can’t be the person who "just kind of ended up with it."

🔹 Train staff properly – Because in a real emergency, panic is the biggest enemy.

🔹 Use a Buddy System – Pair up new staff or pupils so they don’t freeze up during a drill.

🔹 Go digital – No more rummaging through dusty filing cabinets to prove compliance.

🔹 Use a platform – Automate reminders, track maintenance, and avoid last-minute fire safety scrambles.

When fire safety is part of the school’s culture, compliance stops being a boring requirement and starts being a natural habit.

Final Thoughts: Schools That Plan, Stay Safe

Fire safety isn’t about adding more admin—it’s about keeping schools safe and running smoothly.

With the right approach (and the right tools), compliance stops being a headache and becomes just another part of a well-run school.

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