New research by Integrated Fencing a leading perimeter security fencing provider, sheds light on the UK towns and cities with the highest and lowest demand for increased security measures in schools.
The study, which analysed search volume around school security keywords and crime rates, identified Bolton as the location with the greatest need for improved school security. Residents conducted an average of 554 searches per 100,000 people related to school safety in the past year, and the city also boasts a relatively high crime rate.
Top 10 towns and cities with the most demand for School Security
| City | Search volume | Searches per 100k | Crime index score |
| Bolton | 1,076 | 554 | 63.61 |
| Peterborough | 906 | 524 | 52.58 |
| London | 47,513 | 492 | 55.12 |
| Wolverhampton | 1,060 | 488 | 63.71 |
| Huddersfield | 750 | 460 | 62.97 |
| Milton Keynes | 946 | 437 | 53.6 |
| Edinburgh | 2,174 | 429 | 31.32 |
| Coventry | 1,683 | 420 | 64.36 |
| Swindon | 742 | 399 | 50.47 |
| Swansea | 888 | 389 | 35.27 |
Peterborough followed having an overall search volume of 906 per month, equating to 524 per 100,000 residents. Its crime score was also in the upper echelons of the list, at 52.58, which was well above the average of 47.7.
The capital places next, with its huge number of searches (47,513) working out at 492 when weighted against London’s large population.
Wolverhampton takes fourth place with 488 searches on average each month relating to school safety. The midlands-based city also has one of the highest crime rates compared to other locations, with 63.71.
Huddersfield rounded out the top five with an average monthly search volume of 460 per 100,000 people. Again, the crime rate was higher than average at 62.97, indicating that educational facilities are at greater risk in this area.
Top 10 towns and cities with the least demand for School Security
| City | Search volume | Searches per 100k | Crime index score |
| Nottingham | 459 | 56 | 50.84 |
| Southampton | 514 | 106 | 53.01 |
| Sunderland | 275 | 120 | 44.29 |
| Brighton | 765 | 122 | 39.25 |
| Watford | 169 | 128 | 50.18 |
| Cambridge | 195 | 133 | 48.42 |
| Manchester | 4,061 | 145 | 55.94 |
| Glasgow | 2,544 | 149 | 45.8 |
| Bradford | 953 | 157 | 65.91 |
| Cardiff | 778 | 161 | 40.09 |
At the other end of proceedings, the data showed Nottingham has the least demand for school security measures, having just 56 searches each month per 100,000 people in the Midlands-based city.
Southampton ranks next, having close to double the amount of weighted monthly searches compared to Nottingham, at 106.
North East-based Sunderland follows with a search volume figure of 120 per 100,000 residents and a below-average crime rate, scoring 44.29.
Brighton is next, again having a relatively low crime rate (39.25) and a low number of searches per 100k (122) each month.
Rounding out the bottom five is Watford, with a low overall search volume of 169 equating to just 128 when weighted against its population.
Commenting on the findings, Hywel Davies, construction director and co-owner of Integrated Fencing said: “Those in charge of educational facilities have a duty of care to ensure the safety of staff and pupils.
“While the data showed no particularly strong correlation between school security demand and city crime rates, it was interesting to see that the top five all had an above-average crime rate indicating that it does have some impact.
“Having the right levels of protection around the facilities, such as perimeter fencing with anti-vandal qualities, CCTV cameras and controlled access where necessary should prevent and deter any unwanted intruders.
“We would strongly encourage those within the areas where demand and crime rates are high to consult security experts who can create bespoke security solutions tailored to the specific needs of your premises.”
