Access control system for Nutgrove Primary School

The Challenge

Like many primary schools, Nutgrove Methodist Aided Primary School needed to strengthen its approach to site security and safeguarding. Uncontrolled access points, increasing visitor management requirements, and the need to protect both staff and pupils highlighted the importance of a more robust system.

The school required a solution that could:

• Restrict unauthorised access to key areas
• Provide controlled entry for visitors and contractors
• Improve safeguarding measures in line with current guidelines
• Allow staff to move freely while maintaining secure zones

The Solution

Mere UK designed and installed a fully integrated Paxton Net2 access control system, tailored specifically for a busy school environment. The system was configured to provide secure entry points, internal zoning, and simple day-to-day management for staff.

Scope of Work

The installation comprised a carefully planned and fully integrated access control solution across multiple areas of the school, including:

• Two main reception doors configured as a secure airlock entry system, ensuring all visitors are controlled upon arrival and significantly improving front-of-house safeguarding procedures. This allows staff to verify and manage access before entry is granted.
• A staff room door secured with access control to maintain privacy and prevent unauthorised student access to staff-only areas, helping protect sensitive information and equipment.
• Four internal classroom doors equipped with access control to enhance child safety while allowing teachers and authorised staff convenient, uninterrupted access throughout the school day.

All seven doors were fitted with high-quality, industry-standard components, including:

• Paxton Net2 access control units for centralised management
• Maglocks for secure electronic locking
• Break glass units and push-to-exit buttons to ensure full compliance with fire safety regulations and safe emergency egress

Why Paxton Net2 is Ideal for Schools

Paxton Net2 was selected as the preferred access control system due to its reliability, flexibility, and suitability for educational environments. Schools across the UK rely on this system for its ability to combine strong security with simple management.

Key benefits include:

• Scalability – Easily expanded to cover additional doors, buildings, or future site upgrades
• User-friendly software – Allows school staff to manage access permissions quickly and efficiently
• Audit trails and monitoring – Provides full visibility over who enters and exits specific areas
• Enhanced safeguarding – Supports safer school environments by restricting access to authorised users only

The Outcome

The completed system has significantly improved the school’s ability to manage and monitor access across the site, providing staff with greater confidence and control over security procedures.

The airlock system at the main reception now acts as a secure first line of defence, ensuring all visitors are screened before entering the building. Internally, access-controlled staff and classroom doors create clearly defined secure zones, supporting best practices in school safeguarding.

Overall, the installation has helped the school meet modern security expectations while improving day-to-day operational efficiency.

Key Benefits

• Enhanced site security and improved visitor control
• Stronger safeguarding measures for pupils and staff
• Secure airlock entry system for controlled reception access
• Emergency-compliant exit systems in line with fire regulations
• Centralised access control management for ease of use
• Future-ready system with expansion capability

Looking for School Access Control Installation in the North West?

Mere UK specialises in the design and installation of access control systems for schools, colleges, and educational facilities across Merseyside and the North West.

Whether you need to secure a single entrance or implement a fully integrated multi-door system, our team can provide a tailored solution to meet your safeguarding and operational requirements.