Schools told to step up security for their pupils

War on terrorism: Education

School security should be tightened to protect against terrorism, the Department for Education and Skills has said.

School security should be tightened to protect against terrorism, the Department for Education and Skills has said. Although the threat of terrorist attacks on schools is remote, a guidance note to headteachers suggests extremists could stir up tension, causing pupils and staff to be threatened on their way to school, or school buildings to be vandalised.

Some schools will be forced to supervise their entrances and exits and ensure the main routes are patrolled so pupils are not harassed, the note says.

Headteachers should make extra risk assessments on any planned school trips, especially foreign ones. The advice sent to every school and college in England says all pupils could either be affected by the media coverage or have family and friends caught up in the attacks.