Walk past any school and you’re likely to notice the boundary fencing. Whether it’s palisade, mesh, or an ornamental fence, it’s not just there for looks, it does a lot more than people give it credit for.
In the UK, schools are expected to put clear measures in place for site protection. School fencing is part of that wider puzzle, but not all fences are created equally and there exists a lot of confusion as to the best type of fencing to help keep pupils, staff and school property safe from external threats.
Why It’s Not Just About a Wall or a Gate
Think of it this way; schools are public, but also private. They need to feel open but also be secure. The fencing around them? That’s the frontline and sets the boundary (both physically and legally).
A well-thought-out school perimeter fence doesn’t just stop people from walking in; it helps staff feel in control of the space, it can stop a football flying onto a road, it keeps young children from wandering too far and it keeps threats out. In short, it’s doing more than meets the eye.
So, What Are the Options?
You’ll hear two types mentioned a lot when it comes to fencing for schools – palisade and mesh. These cover most bases, but they’re very different beasts, so let’s take a look at each option below.
Palisade Fencing
Palisade fencing has that unmistakable look – solid, vertical bars. It’s hard to climb, hard to break, and acts as one of the best visual deterrents. It’s great for places where good levels of security are needed, but not everyone appreciates the look.
Our general purpose Lochrin Combi™ and Lochrin Classic™ palisade systems are two of the best options for securing a schools perimeter.
Mesh Fencing
Mesh fencing, on the other hand, looks lighter, but don’t be fooled, it can still provide medium to high levels of security (depending on its design). This type of fence comprises of welded wire panels that offer excellent visibility. Staff can see through it easily, which helps with supervision through the barrier. It’s common around sports areas and playgrounds for exactly that reason.
Where mesh fencing is concerned, our Lochrin WaveGUARD™ and Lochrin 358™ systems are perfectly suited for installation in and around school grounds.
A Combination?
In reality, many schools will mix the types of fencing they install around the perimeter. Mesh near the buildings, palisade around the outer edge. This makes total sense, offering a balance between security and aesthetics.
It’s likely that schools will also require additional fencing structures for the demarcation and containment of sports pitches and multi-use games areas. Our Lochrin BallGUARD™ is the ideal candidate for these types of installations.
School Fencing Regulations in the UK
Whilst there’s no single law that dictates the exact type, height, or material that schools must use for perimeter fencing, there does exist a set of government-issued guidelines aimed at helping schools make informed decisions around site security and boundary management.
The Department for Education’s Site Security Guidance outlines the best practices, encouraging schools to implement perimeter fencing that suits their location, layout, and specific risk factors . The focus is on establishing a secure perimeter with fencing to BS1722 and over 2.0m high, with gates that are the same height as the fencing (fitted with anti-lift hinges and an appropriate locking mechanism).
The guidelines are a great start for schools looking at their site security as a whole. They offer additional information on entrances, lighting, car parking, windows and doors, alarm systems and CCTV, placement of IT equipment, access control mechanisms and school lockdown procedures.
Choosing The Right Contractor
Working with an experienced school fencing contractor can make a real difference in whether the fence is a success. They’ll be familiar with what’s commonly recommended, what local authorities expect, and how to approach things like safeguarding and site risk assessments.
And while there may not be “school fencing regulations” as such, schools still need to consider planning permission, especially for taller fencing or installations near public highways. Local planning authorities may impose conditions depending on the location and design of the fence, so it’s not always a simple case of installing and forgetting.
Choosing the Right Fencing – It’s Not Just About Security
Focusing only on security is a common mistake during the planning phase, but it’s rarely the only thing that matters. Schools have to juggle a range of practical and environmental concerns when deciding on the most suitable fencing.
Here are some key factors to consider:
- Safety Features – Does the design prevent climbing, trapping, or injury? This is especially important for younger pupils.
- Visibility – Can staff maintain a clear line of sight through the fence? Mesh systems often excel here.
- Maintenance – What will maintenance look like in future?
- Access Control – Will the fencing work well with gates, entry systems, and traffic flow around the site?
- Community Impact – Does it blend into the surroundings, or will it attract complaints from neighbours or local groups?
- Installation Disruption – How quickly and quietly can the fencing be installed?
In short, the right fencing choice depends on more than just strength – it’s about how the fence fits into the wider school environment.
Conclusion
A school fence isn’t just part of the backdrop – it quietly does a lot of heavy lifting. It shapes how secure the grounds feel, helps schools meet safeguarding duties, and often becomes something that’s only really noticed when it fails. That’s why it makes sense to take it seriously from the outset.
Maybe you’re working with a blank canvas, replacing something that’s past its best, or reacting to a shift in local or national risk factors – either way, rushing the process rarely ends well. Take time to assess the site, weigh up the practical needs, and think long-term rather than short-term.
Because once it’s up, that fence is going to be there for a long time.
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