Fire Safety in Schools: Termly Drills and Risk Assessments

Schools face unique fire-safety challenges: large numbers of young or vulnerable occupants, complex layouts, and regular changes in building use. This article outlines the core legal expectations around fire safety in schools and offers practical steps for headteachers, governors, and responsible persons.

The Legal Framework

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO), the responsible person must ensure a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is carried out and kept up to date. In most schools, that duty falls to the employer — typically the local authority, academy trust, or governing body.

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (MHSWR) require risk assessments for staff and others affected by the undertaking. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HSWA) provides the overarching duty to protect people from harm.

Fire Risk Assessments in Schools

A school fire risk assessment must identify hazards, evaluate risks, and document control measures. Key considerations include:

• Escape routes kept clear and adequately lit
• Fire doors functioning correctly and not wedged open
• Alarm systems tested and maintained
• Emergency lighting operational
• Vulnerable occupants (young children, pupils with disabilities) needing personal emergency evacuation plans (PEEPs)

Assessments should be reviewed regularly and updated when circumstances change — for example, building works, new temporary classrooms, or altered layouts.

Termly Fire Drills

Government guidance and sector best practice expect schools to conduct fire drills at least once per term. This helps familiarise staff and pupils with evacuation procedures and tests the alarm system under realistic conditions.

Drills should:

• Involve all occupants
• Be held at varying times to reflect different scenarios
• Be timed and recorded
• Identify any issues with escape routes or communication

Records of drills provide valuable evidence of compliance during inspections.

Record-Keeping and Documentation

Maintaining clear records demonstrates due diligence. Essential documents include:

• The current fire risk assessment
• Fire action plan
• Records of alarm tests, emergency lighting tests, and fire extinguisher servicing
• PEEPs for individuals requiring assistance
• Logs of termly drills including date, time, evacuation time, and observations

Good documentation supports a culture of safety and simplifies audits.

Common Shortfalls in School Fire Safety

Typical issues include:

• Fire doors wedged open — a frequent and dangerous practice
• Escape routes obstructed by equipment or storage
• Alarm tests missed or poorly recorded
• PEEPs outdated or absent for new pupils
• Risk assessments not reviewed after building changes

Regular walkthroughs and staff training help address these problems promptly.

How HawkSwift Can Help

If you are unsure whether your current arrangements meet the standard, HawkSwift Ltd provides fire risk assessments from £199 + VAT. Our NEBOSH-qualified assessors deliver clear, practical reports within 48 hours, helping you close gaps and demonstrate compliance. Book a fire risk assessment today.