The Changing Face of School Safety in 2025: What Schools Need to Know and How to Stay Protected (Includes Free Cyber Security Policy Template and Free Shield Audit)
- Mark Ardron
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
In 2025, schools across the UK are facing a new wave of safety challenges. From cybersecurity breaches and rising hate incidents to tragic accidents and innovative well-being initiatives — it’s never been more critical to prioritise school safety support.
At The School Safety People, we believe that education leaders shouldn't face these risks alone. Whether you're a Headteacher, School Business Manager, or Trust CEO, our role is to help you navigate compliance confidently — and protect both pupils and your school’s leadership.
Here’s a breakdown of the latest school safety issues making headlines, what’s driving them, and how expert health and safety consultants for schools like us can provide tailored solutions.
🛡️ 1. Cyberattacks on Schools: Edinburgh Incident Highlights National Risk
What happened: A phishing cyberattack on Edinburgh’s education network led to over 2,500 students being locked out of Microsoft Teams and OneNote during exam prep season. Although no personal data was leaked, access to critical learning tools was disrupted.
How?:
Weak password management
Lack of multi-factor authentication
Low cyber awareness among staff and students
Why it matters:
Schools are increasingly digital — and cybersecurity is now a safeguarding issue.
How we help:
We can deliver staff training to spot phishing attempts
We can write and review school cybersecurity policies
We can help you to build an incident response plan for future attacks
✡️ 2. Rise in Antisemitism: Why Holocaust Education Is Under Review
What happened:Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson declared antisemitism in schools a "national emergency", after alarming reports of Holocaust denial and abuse in classrooms.
Why:
Lack of structured education on antisemitism
Misinformation from social media
Gaps in behavioural and safeguarding policies
Why it matters:Without intervention, hate incidents can escalate — putting pupils and school culture at serious risk.
How we help:
Support implementation of mandatory Holocaust education
Train staff to identify and address discrimination
Review and update behaviour and safeguarding policies
⚠️ 3. Electrocution at Millfield School: Tragedy Underscores the Need for Physical Risk Audits
What happened:A 14-year-old student suffered life-threatening injuries after being electrocuted by a high-voltage cable at a Somerset school. The HSE launched an investigation.
Why:
Inadequate barriers or signage near electrical hazards
Lapses in grounds risk assessment
Poor out-of-hours supervision
Why it matters:Accidents like this can be life-altering — and lead to prosecutions of school leadership.
How we help:
Carry out full premises safety audits
Identify hidden risks with visual inspections
Provide guidance on safe student supervision and zoning
🧒 4. The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill: Compliance Will Soon Be a Legal Requirement
What’s coming:This new Bill introduces:
Mandatory Holocaust education
Free breakfast clubs
Tighter rules on uniform affordability
Why:
Government response to increased child poverty
Concern over the rise in school exclusions and absenteeism
A push for schools to embed wellbeing into their culture
Why it matters:This isn’t optional — schools must be ready to meet these requirements.
How we help:
Offer a compliance gap analysis
Help schools prepare for policy and funding changes
Deliver wellbeing audits and training to match legislative standards
🧰 Why You Need Ongoing School Safety Support
The truth is: reactive fixes aren't enough anymore. Whether it's data loss, cultural issues, or physical risks — schools need a proactive, ongoing approach to safety and compliance.
Working with The School Safety People means:
✅ Support from qualified consultants who understand UK education law
✅ Clear documentation to show Ofsted and HSE that you're in control
✅ Practical solutions — not just red tape
📞 Let’s Protect Your Pupils, Staff, and Leadership
Are you confident your school would stand up to a legal investigation or media scrutiny?
If the answer is anything but absolutely, we can help.
📩 Contact us today at www.theschoolsafetypeople.co.uk or call to schedule your FREE FOR MAY!!!! Shield Audit for schools.
Let’s work together to make your school safer, more compliant, and prepared for anything 2025 brings.