Abloy UK calls for greater focus on security in education sector

A recent survey of 500 schools found that 80% had experienced criminal activity such as theft, vandalism or trespassing in the past year, representing a 15% rise on the previous 12-month period.

At the same time, Government data shows that digital threats are also escalating, with 60% of secondary schools and 44% of primaries reporting cyber incidents. In the higher education domain, the picture is even starker, with 91% of universities and 85% of colleges experiencing cyber breaches or attacks across the last year.

Alongside these challenges, growing numbers of schools are preparing for emergencies. Research suggests that more than one-third of secondary teachers and upwards of 25% of primary teachers have now carried out lockdown drills, while some institutions have already been forced into real lockdown situations.

The rise in both physical and digital threats places additional strain on schools that are already tasked with protecting large and diverse estates, while ensuring compliance with fire safety and emergency escape regulations.

Balancing act

Balancing the need for secure access with the requirement for safe evacuation in emergencies is becoming increasingly complex. Managing visitor entry without disrupting the learning environment, controlling staff access to different zones and ensuring that buildings are future-proofed for sustainability and cost-efficiency all add further pressure.

Shaun Powell, general sales manager for healthcare/OEM industrial at Abloy UK, explained: “At Abloy UK, we believe that educational institutions must consider security holistically, rather than seeing each element of a solution as a separate entity. This means creating an ecosystem that brings together access control, visitor verification, intruder detection and compliant emergency escape solutions.”

Abloy has considered recent examples of where schools and universities have already begun adopting such approaches. At Rhymes Nursery, a tailored escape door system helped members of staff to prevent unauthorised entry and respond more quickly to potential threats.

At the University of St Andrews, the installation of 1,700 wireless locks combines enhanced security with significant energy efficiencies, supporting the institution’s sustainability objectives.

Different landscape 

Powell added: “Schools today face a very different landscape than they did even a decade ago. The combination of rising crime, cyber threats and the need for lockdown capabilities means that traditional approaches to security are no longer enough. Institutions need integrated and flexible solutions that provide protection without compromising day-to-day learning or emergency safety.”

In conclusion, Powell noted: “As the UK continues to grapple with these challenges, Abloy UK is encouraging decision-makers across the education sector to prioritise a joined-up approach to access control and security, ensuring that staff, students and property are safeguarded both now and in the future.”

*Further information is available online at www.abloy.com