Fire safety is a fundamental responsibility for school leadership. A current assessment, a named owner and a folder of records are useful starting points. The critical question is whether the school understands its fire risks and has acted to control them.

If a serious defect has been recorded but left unresolved, or an evacuation plan has never been tested against the people who need it, the gap is between documentation and protection. That is where leadership needs a clear view.

What has changed in fire safety law?

For most school premises in England and Wales, the principal framework is the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The responsible person must assess fire risks and implement suitable precautions. Duties attach according to the legal framework and control of the premises; they are not created simply by giving someone a job title.

The Fire Safety Act 2021 clarified the scope of the Order for buildings containing two or more sets of domestic premises. It should not be described as a blanket introduction of new duties for every school. Residential accommodation on an education estate needs particular consideration.

Changes under section 156 of the Building Safety Act 2022 took effect on 1 October 2023 in England and Wales. These include recording the fire risk assessment in full and recording fire safety arrangements. Different legislation applies in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The leadership question: can you demonstrate control?

A useful fire safety review should help you answer:

  • Who holds responsibility, and how do the relevant parties cooperate?
  • Is the assessment suitable for the buildings, activities and people using them?
  • Which findings remain open, and what is being done about them?
  • Are fire precautions maintained and defects escalated?
  • Can the evacuation arrangements work for everyone who may need assistance?
  • Does leadership receive enough information to make informed decisions?

What a comprehensive review needs to consider

The building and its use

Consider ignition sources, combustible materials, the potential for fire and smoke spread, escape routes and the people at risk. Laboratories, kitchens, workshops, lettings and out-of-hours activities may introduce different considerations.

Fire precautions

Review relevant detection and warning systems, emergency lighting, fire doors and other precautions. Inspection and maintenance records should be connected to evidence that defects have been addressed.

Evacuation and people who need assistance

The plan must reflect who uses the premises. Consider personal emergency evacuation plans where appropriate, staff roles, visitors and the arrangements needed when normal staffing changes. Training and drills should test the arrangements and lead to improvements.

Action and oversight

Give each significant finding an owner and an appropriate timescale. Escalate urgent concerns. A finding marked as closed should have evidence behind it, with a check that the control is effective.

When should you review the assessment?

Keep the assessment under regular review and revisit it when there is reason to suspect it is no longer valid or after significant changes. Alterations, new activities, changes in occupancy or an incident may all affect the position. A fixed three-year external assessment cycle is not a universal legal minimum.

Where specialist support makes the difference

School fire safety involves buildings, people and management arrangements. The assessor needs suitable competence for the premises and their risks. Complex buildings or issues may require additional specialist input.

Our fire safety service brings together assessments, fire door inspections, evacuation planning, staff training and support with management arrangements. We help you understand the priorities and the action needed to strengthen protection.

Act before the next inspection or incident

If you cannot confidently explain your school’s fire safety position, that is a reason to review it now. Identify what remains unresolved, understand the consequences and establish a plan that leaders can monitor.

Discuss a fire risk assessment or a review of your school’s fire arrangements.