Fire risk assessment: guidance and template

You're required to have an up-to-date fire risk assessment. Use our template to help guide you through the process.

Last reviewed on 25 February 2026
School types: AllSchool phases: AllRef: 365
Contents
  1. You must conduct a fire risk assessment
  2. Who's responsible for the assessment?
  3. Follow the 5 steps for risk assessment
  4. Use our template
  5. Keep your fire risk assessment up to date

You must conduct a fire risk assessment

Your risk assessment must cover the whole of your premises, including outdoor locations and any rooms or areas that are rarely used.

This is one of your statutory requirements for fire safety

Who's responsible for the assessment?

The employer for your school is responsible for fire safety, as is anyone with control over the premises (such as the building manager) – both are known as the 'responsible person'. Responsible persons are expected to work together to meet their responsibilities.

This is explained on page 5 of the government’s guidance on fire safety risk assessment for educational premises

Who's the employer in my school? School type Employer Community schools, community special schools, voluntary controlled schools, maintained nursery schools and pupil referral units (PRUs) Local authority (LA) Foundation schools, foundation special schools and voluntary aided schools Governing board Academies, including free