A recent update to government legislation, and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, is placing new emphasis on the importance of Fire Risk Assessments for Schools.

From April 2025, all UK schools must have a recent Fire Risk Assessment, which has been conducted by a fire safety expert.

UK Fire Consultants are fire risk assessment specialists. We work with a nationwide network of certified assessors, placing us in a strong position to undertake Fire Risk Assessments for Schools, no matter the location.

What Does the Legislation Say About Fire Risk Assessments for Schools?

The Department of Education recently published the School Estate Management Standards.

These new government policies and processes are aimed at ensuring the effective management of all school estates in the United Kingdom, with four level of estate management standards detailed.

Baseline standards are the basic measures that all schools should have in place, and these standards include the following:

“You have a comprehensive up-to-date fire risk assessment in place covering the whole estate which has been carried out by a competent person.”

This means that all Fire Risk Assessments for Schools MUST BE undertaken by a trustworthy fire safety expert.

Who Is Responsible for Fire Risk Assessments in Schools?

The duty of overseeing Fire Risk Assessments for schools falls to the Responsible Person.

This is usually an individual, or group of individuals, who hold a position of authority within the school, or within the school site. This could be a Headteacher or Governing Body for example.

It is the role of the Responsible Person to ensure that Fire Risk Assessments take place across all school premises, that any required changes are undertaken, and that the Fire Risk Assessments are reviewed recurringly.

What is the Definition of a Competent Person?

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 is clear on its definition of what a Competent Person is.

The legislation states:

“A person is to be regarded as competent…where he has sufficient training and experience or knowledge and other qualities to enable him properly to assist in undertaking the preventive and protective measures.”

This means that, when organising any Fire Risk Assessments for Schools, they cannot be undertaken by a normal member of staff. It must be completed by someone with the required level of expertise to ensure that the assessment is thorough and to the acceptable standard.

What Does a School Fire Risk Assessment Involve?

All Fire Risk Assessments for Schools, if undertaken correctly by a competent person, should cover several key areas.

The first step is identifying all fire hazards within the premises. This involves examining the physical environment, all equipment and other materials present to observe if there are any fire risks present. In a school, common fire hazards may include combustible materials such as paper, faulty electrical equipment, blocked escape routes, or flammable substances incorrectly stored.

The Assessors will then move onto identifying the persons at risk. This part of the assessment should consider all school staff, and pupils, which will then help to shape evacuation plans, escape routes and other safety measures.

A thorough Fire Risk Assessment should include an evaluation and action phase. This involves the Assessor using their expertise to analyse all risks, and putting actions in place to mitigate these risks, to help keep your school safe.

Once the Fire Risk Assessment is complete, it is vital that the findings are recorded appropriately, and a comprehensive plan is put in place to aid your school’s fire safety management. A detailed, clear record of the Assessment helps create a reference for future reviews, and allows the Responsible Person to implement any necessary changes. These could be something as simple as clearing an evacuation route on site to ensure your pupils can clear the building effectively, or something more complex such as installing a suppression system in your school kitchen.

Finally, the Fire Risk Assessment should be reviewed on a regular basis. If there is an alteration to the school building, a change in the intended purpose of a room or building, or even an increase in school occupancy, you may need to revisit your Fire Risk Assessment to ensure that it covers these changes. By consistently reviewing your fire safety measures, your school can ensure a proactive stance in mitigating fire risks.

How Can UK Fire Consultants Help with Fire Risk Assessments for Schools?

At UK Fire Consultants, we recognise that the safety of staff and students is a top priority for school leaders.

We pride ourselves on removing the stress involved with fire safety compliance. We work with a nationwide network of Fire Risk Assessment specialists, who provide user friendly reports that detail clear, actionable recommendations to help keep you fire safe.

If you’re a Headteacher, Governor, Trustee, or Facilities Manager looking to ensure that your school is fire safe, contact our expert team today.

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