Fencing for Schools & Nurseries
Schools and nurseries in the UK must have secure perimeter fencing to protect pupils and prevent unauthorised access, and Ward Fencing installs ColourFence and ColourRail systems that meet DfE and Secure by Design guidance while maintaining a safe, welcoming appearance.
Key Requirements for School Fencing in the UK
Perimeters must be complete, secure and free from injury risks.
Secure by Design guidance recommends fence heights of 1.8–2.4 metres depending on risk assessment.
Gates must meet the fence height, include anti-lift hinges and use approved locking mechanisms that do not aid climbing.
Fencing must not create a "prison-like atmosphere" - appearance and colour matter as well as specification.
Materials must be maintained to a safe standard throughout their service life.
Fireproof - no combustible material in the fence structure.
No horizontal rails - eliminates the main footholds used by children (and intruders) to climb.
25-year guarantee - school estates can plan maintenance budgets with confidence.
Colour range - available in greens, creams and other colours that feel appropriate in an educational setting.
Matching gates - ColourGate products can be specified to meet the height, locking and anti-lift requirements of school entrances
Why ColourFence and ColourRail Work for Schools
Gate Installation
For schools where safety and presentation need to work together, colour gate installations are a practical way to control access while creating a welcoming first impression. We supply and fit a range of options to suit different entrances, including gates for main access points, pedestrian pathways, and wider openings used for deliveries or staff vehicles. The right design will depend on how the entrance is used each day, the level of security required, and how the gate fits with the school’s overall appearance. We also consider safe clearances, access control, and the strength of posts and fixings, as school gates need to handle frequent daily use while remaining secure and reliable.
Railing Installation Services
Our ColourRail installation services are designed for schools that need a strong, durable boundary without making the site feel closed off. Railings are often used to define perimeter areas, improve safety around play spaces, protect walkways, and create clear boundaries around entrances, paths, and outdoor areas. We help schools choose designs that balance security with visibility, while also complementing the look of the site. We also advise on height, spacing, and fixing methods to suit the setting, ensuring the finished railing system feels secure, looks consistent, and stands up well to everyday school use with very little ongoing maintenance.
If you want a fence, gate, or railing that looks right and stays secure, we can quote from a proper site survey rather than guesswork. We will confirm measurements, talk through the best materials for your budget, and provide a clear plan for timescales, access, and waste removal. To get started, call us or send a message with a few photos and your postcode in Bedfordshire or Hertfordshire, and we will arrange a convenient visit.
Book a Site Visit
Design
We have loads of colours and design styles. Take a look at our range of get in touch to discuss options
Quote
Contact us for a no obligation quote. We’ll arrange a site visit at a time that suits you
Install
Our mission is to deliver innovative, high-quality products with a customer-focused, ethical approach, ensuring no-maintenance, value, and long-lasting gardens that exceed expectations.
FAQ’s About School & Nursery Fencing
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Yes. Schools are required to have fencing that secures the perimeter, safeguards pupils and prevents unauthorised access under the DfE School Premises Regulations 2012.
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Secure by Design guidance recommends heights of 1.8–2.4 metres depending on the school's security risk assessment. The legal minimum under BS EN 1176 is 1 metre, but most schools install significantly higher perimeter fencing.
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Yes. Secure by Design is a police initiative, and fencing specified to its guidelines for height, material, gate hardware and anti-climb design can be included in a school's broader SbD application.
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This depends heavily on material. ColourFence with its 25-year guarantee offers the most predictable lifecycle for school estate managers, avoiding the repainting and replacement costs common with traditional timber or powder-coated panels that are not guaranteed.
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Yes. Ward Fencing can manage the full project including programme planning, access coordination, welfare and health and safety documentation, acting as either main or subcontractor to suit your procurement structure.