Fire Drills at School: What Happens and Why

Fire drills are the emergency practice children know best. Here's what the law expects and how you can help at home.

Drills3 Oct 20263 min read

In England and Wales, fire safety in schools falls under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. It makes a "responsible person", usually the headteacher or governing body, accountable for fire precautions, including a fire risk assessment and a clear plan for getting everyone out.

How often schools practise

Fire safety guidance for schools, including local council guidance, commonly says to hold a fire drill at least once a term, at different times of the day, so that pupils and staff can leave calmly whatever they're doing. Assembly points should be clearly marked and easy for everyone to find.

Pupils who need extra help

Schools should have arrangements for pupils and visitors who can't easily use the stairs or who find loud alarms distressing. If your child has a disability or additional needs, ask whether they have a personal emergency evacuation plan (often called a PEEP).

Try this at homeAsk your child where their class lines up when the alarm goes off, and who takes the register. Then practise your own home escape plan together.

Sources

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (legislation.gov.uk)
Fire drills (schools guidance) (Buckinghamshire Council)
Keeping pupils safe: fire safety guide for schools (WorkNest)

The Fire Safety Order covers England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own fire safety laws with similar duties.

This post is general information. Your school's own plan comes first, so ask the school office for its procedures.