The Marlborough Science Academy, a specialist science secondary school and sixth form in St Albans educating around 1,200 students with more than 80 staff, has upgraded its fire detection and security systems in a project that offers a useful template for schools across the UK.
What happened at Marlborough Science Academy
According to a case study published by installer Amthal Fire & Security, the academy's site is increasingly used by the local community outside school hours, which prompted a general upgrade of its fire detection and security arrangements. The new installation combines automatic fire detection with IP CCTV and access control, all integrated into the school's existing platforms, and was installed in just three weeks to minimise disruption to teaching.
The school's estates manager notes that fire and security systems are maintained to a high standard from the entrance right across the site, so the academy can safely stay open to students, staff and the wider community. The installer points to the government's extended schools agenda as the underlying driver: school premises now operate on a far more open basis, which puts extra pressure on fire and security measures outside traditional hours.
Why it matters for UK schools
A fire risk assessment is only valid while it reflects how a building is actually used. When a school opens its sports hall, theatre or classrooms to community groups in the evenings and at weekends, occupancy patterns, escape route availability and supervision arrangements all change, and the responsible person under the Fire Safety Order must account for that. The government's fire safety risk assessment guide for educational premises is the reference point for reviewing arrangements when use of the premises changes.
