School Fire Risk Assessment: Are Your Fire Doors Compliant?

You've booked your school fire risk assessment, but when was the last time your fire doors were properly checked?

A loose hinge. A missing seal. A door that doesn't close on its own. These may seem minor, but they're exactly the kind of faults that cause schools to fail inspections. Worse yet, they put lives at risk. When fire doors are overlooked, evacuation routes become unsafe and legal compliance slips.

At Quay Facilities, we've helped schools across Kent, London, and the South East protect pupils and staff by keeping their fire doors safe, legal, and fully working. In this guide, we'll show you what to look for, what the law says, and how to get things sorted fast -- with minimal disruption to your school day.

What the Law Says About Fire Doors in Schools

Every school must have a designated Responsible Person for fire safety. Typically, this is the headteacher, caretaker, site manager, or governor. If that's you, fire doors fall within your remit. They must be installed correctly, maintained regularly, and kept ready to perform in an emergency.

That duty is set out in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, and supported by Approved Document B and BS 8214, which cover fire door design and performance. Non-compliance doesn't just risk fines or failed audits; it puts students, staff, and your reputation in jeopardy.

That's why many of our clients rely on our 24-hour emergency shutter and fire door repair service. We respond fast and aim to fix most issues on our first visit, using the right parts, tools, and expertise.

What to Check: Is Your Fire Door Compliant?

You don't need to be a fire safety expert to spot a non-compliant fire door. You just need to know what to look for. These visual checks should be part of your regular site walkaround and fire risk assessment.

Start By Checking

• Does the door close firmly on its own?
• Are the gaps around the edges 3mm or less?
• Are intumescent strips in place and undamaged?
• Is the "Fire Door -- Keep Shut" sign clearly visible?
• Are the hinges tight and all screws present?

We've seen doors propped open with chairs in warm weather or damaged by trolleys in busy corridors. These might seem harmless, but they'll stop your fire doors from doing their job when it matters most.

Record every check in your maintenance logbook. If Ofsted or your local fire authority visits, clear documentation is the fastest way to show you're staying compliant.

Need help getting started? Our Fire Doors team provides servicing, checks, and replacements tailored to your school's layout and timetable.

How Often Should Fire Doors Be Checked in Schools?

There's no fixed rule, but high-use school buildings need regular checks to stay safe and compliant.

At a Minimum, We Recommend

• Weekly visual checks for damage or misuse in corridors, stairwells, and other busy areas.
• Termly inspections of closers, hinges, and seals by your facilities or caretaking team.
• Annual servicing by a qualified professional trained in fire-rated door standards.

If your school includes SEN areas, multiple buildings, or an unusual layout, checks may need to happen more frequently. Fire doors regularly take beatings in schools -- from heavy footfall, deliveries, trolleys, or curious pupils -- and even small faults can lead to big risks.

At Quay Facilities, we make this easier. Our qualified professionals will check closers, seals, and signage, and provide a documented compliance report before they become compliance issues. With 93% of repairs fixed on the first visit, we help schools save time, money, and stress.

How Quay Facilities Keeps Schools Compliant

We understand the pressure that comes with being the Responsible Person, and we're here to take the stress out of it.

Our Fire Door Services Cover

• One-off surveys or annual maintenance plans tailored to your site.
• Checks and repairs are carried out outside of school hours to avoid disruption.
• On-the-spot fixes using van-stocked parts to save return visits.
• Detailed inspection reports to support MAT audits, insurance, or compliance reviews.

We also offer fire door awareness support for caretakers and site staff, helping your team spot early signs of wear before they become bigger problems. And if your school needs advice on wider fire safety -- from smoke and fire curtains to auto doors and roller shutters -- we'll help you get everything up to spec.

Book Your Fire Door Survey with Quay Facilities

Don't let a small issue become a big safety risk.

Your fire risk assessment is only as strong as the doors backing it up. Faulty closers, damaged seals, or doors that don't shut properly could leave you non-compliant. Worse yet, they could leave you unprepared when an emergency strikes.

Whether you're preparing for an Ofsted visit, updating documentation, or simply staying ahead of your next audit, we'll ensure your fire doors pass with confidence. We've supported schools across Kent, London, and the South East -- and we're here to help you, too. 

Call us on 0208 2266 247 or send an enquiry to book your fire door check today.