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Using CCTV cameras in school

You can only have CCTV cameras in your school if you have a lawful reason for doing so. Find out how the UK GDPR impacts your school's use of CCTV and what you'll need to consider before installing it.

Last reviewed on 26 March 2025See updates
School types: All•School phases: All•Ref: 11819
Contents
  1. Schools can use CCTV, if it's justified
  2. How the UK GDPR affects individuals’ rights 
  3. You must let people know when they’re in an area under CCTV 
  4. What to consider before installing CCTV in classrooms
  5. CCTV in residential schools
  6. Use the ICO's checklist to assess compliance

Schools can use CCTV, if it's justified

You can use CCTV as long as you have a ‘lawful basis’ to do so under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) – this is set out by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). Read our article about lawful basis under the UK GDPR for guidance on which one you can use. 

If you’re planning to justify the use of CCTV cameras through the ‘public task’ basis, you won’t need consent to install CCTV. Read more about when you need to seek consent under the UK GDPR.

Remember that schools need to be registered with the ICO as a data controller whether you use CCTV or not.

If you're using CCTV for the first time, you need a DPIA

You'll need a data protection impact assessment (DPIA) to:

Read our DPIA guidance and download