Why Summer Holidays Are the Perfect Time for Security Reviews in Schools, Colleges and Universities

• by Anthony Orjally
• Advent IM Blog

For private and independent schools, as well as colleges and universities, the summer holidays represent more than just a break for students and staff. They offer a critical window of opportunity to assess and strengthen security measures across the entire estate—without the challenges of day-to-day term-time operations.

Too often, physical security can be treated as a set-and-forget aspect of school management, reviewed only in response to an incident or after an inspection. Yet, the risks facing educational settings continue to evolve. From vandalism and unauthorised access to more complex safeguarding concerns, schools and higher education institutions must ensure their physical security keeps pace with both known threats and emerging risks.

A Chance to Identify Vulnerabilities Before September

With buildings quieter and site activity reduced, the summer holidays allow security specialists and facilities teams to conduct thorough reviews without disruption. Areas that are difficult to inspect during term time—such as boarding accommodation, classrooms, storage areas, and even perimeter boundaries—are more accessible, making it easier to spot weaknesses and carry out necessary repairs.

This could involve:
– Reviewing CCTV coverage and camera functionality
– Checking perimeter fencing, gates, and access controls for integrity
– Testing alarm systems and reviewing incident response procedures
– Assessing physical access routes into and around the campus
– Reviewing key holding, visitor controls, and contractor management

It’s also an ideal time to revisit older risk assessments and security audits, making sure they reflect the current landscape and have not become outdated. For independent schools in particular, where reputational risk is significant, being proactive in addressing security risks can also provide peace of mind for governors, parents, and regulatory bodies.

What Risks Can Be Mitigated?

Educational environments face a range of threats that can be effectively mitigated through timely and proactive security reviews, including:

• Vandalism and Trespassing: Empty premises over the summer are more vulnerable to damage and unauthorised access. Strong perimeter controls, alarms, and surveillance can deter opportunistic offenders.
• Theft of Valuable Assets: Schools, colleges and universities house expensive IT equipment, lab materials, and sometimes high-value personal belongings in boarding facilities. Robust access control and asset protection can reduce theft risk.
• Unauthorised Access and Squatting: Higher education sites in particular have been targeted by activists or squatters during quiet periods. Ensuring secure locking, access audits, and regular patrols can prevent such incidents.
• Safeguarding Failures: For boarding schools, maintaining safeguarding standards when only skeleton staff are present is crucial. Reviewing procedures ensures appropriate controls remain in place even during downtime.
• Arson and Fire Risks: Arson remains a risk in empty school buildings. Reviewing fire detection systems, storage practices (especially for flammable materials), and site patrols can help mitigate this threat.
• Terrorism and Vehicle-Borne Threats: Although rare, schools and universities can be targeted by politically or ideologically motivated threats. Reviewing barrier systems, vehicle access, and emergency procedures ensures readiness.
• Personal Safety for Lone Workers: Maintenance, cleaning and administrative staff working over the summer need suitable protection. Reviewing lone working policies, panic alarms, and check-in procedures is essential.

Colleges and Universities: Large, Complex Estates Need Regular Oversight

The opportunity doesn’t end with schools. Colleges and universities operate sprawling campuses with multiple buildings, open access spaces, and high levels of foot traffic. The summer period often represents the lowest occupancy rate of the year, making it the ideal time to review security measures in detail.

These reviews might also include:

• Revising access control arrangements in student halls and faculty buildings
• Enhancing emergency planning and evacuation procedures
• Testing lighting in car parks and along pedestrian routes to reduce vulnerability to crime
• Reviewing the use and placement of physical barriers in high-traffic areas

Security is not static; it should evolve in line with changes in campus layout, activities, and external threats. The quieter summer months allow leadership teams to assess what worked well in the past academic year and what needs updating ahead of September.

Building Security into the Annual Calendar

Rather than waiting for issues to arise or inspections to highlight shortcomings, educational institutions can use the school holiday period to embed security reviews into their regular calendar. This approach ensures that reviews, maintenance, and upgrades happen systematically, reducing the risk of unforeseen problems impacting students, staff, or visitors during term time.

Independent schools, in particular, have an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to safeguarding and resilience by conducting routine security assessments. For colleges and universities, summer reviews can help avoid costly disruptions to teaching and research activities later in the year.

It’s also worth remembering that security reviews do not always need to result in expensive investments. Often, relatively minor changes in procedure, better staff training, or improved use of existing systems can have a significant impact on safety and resilience.

Looking Ahead

As the educational sector continues to face evolving risks—whether from crime, activism, or wider societal pressures—taking time over the summer break to review and reinforce physical security is simply good practice. It demonstrates a proactive approach to duty of care and builds confidence across the school or university community.

For leadership teams and site managers, the message is simple: don’t waste the quiet period. Use it to get ahead of potential risks and ensure that when students return in September, they are welcomed into an environment that is safe, secure, and fit for purpose.

Written by Ellie Hurst, Advent IM Commercial Director