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Schools: Fire Prevention

Asked by Jim ShannonDemocratic Unionist PartyDepartment for EducationTabled Answered 13 January 2026UIN 103271

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps are being taken to ensure schools are up to date with fire safety guidance.

Answered by Josh MacAlister

Each school’s responsible body, usually an academy trust or local authority, are responsible for ensuring that their schools comply with Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

This means they must have an up-to-date fire risk assessment, appropriate fire alarms and regular fire drills, to ensure they are as safe as possible and well prepared in the event of a fire.

The department supports schools by providing guidance on estates management and responsibility in the Good Estates Guide for Schools.

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