Abloy UK is highlighting the growing need for improved security and access control in schools, colleges and universities, as new figures reveal the scale of risks facing educational institutions across the UK.
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 period[1].
At the same time, government data[2] shows that digital threats are also escalating, with 60% of secondary schools and 44% of primaries reporting cyber incidents. In higher education, the picture is even starker, with 91% of universities and 85% of colleges experiencing breaches or attacks over the last twelve months.
Alongside these challenges, growing numbers of schools are preparing for emergencies. Research[3] suggests more than a third of secondary teachers and over a quarter of primary teachers have now carried out lockdown drills, and some institutions have already been forced into real lockdowns.
The rise in both physical and digital threats places additional strain on schools that are already tasked with protecting large, diverse estates while ensuring compliance with fire safety and emergency escape regulations.
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 Healthcare/OEM Industrial at Abloy UK, explains: “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 recent examples where schools and universities have already begun adopting such approaches. At Rhymes Nursery, a tailored escape door system helped staff prevent unauthorised entry and respond more quickly to potential threats.
At the University of St Andrews, the installation of 1,700 wireless locks combined enhanced security with significant energy efficiencies, supporting the institution’s sustainability objectives.
Powell adds: “Schools today face a very different landscape than 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, flexible solutions that provide protection without compromising day-to-day learning or emergency safety.
“As the UK continues to grapple with these challenges, Abloy 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.”
For further information on products and services available from Abloy UK visit https://bit.ly/3HYFpeI, email info@abloy.co.uk or call 01902 364 500.
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