We provide fire compartmentation surveys for schools and academies across London, helping school leadership teams, estates managers and local authorities understand the condition of passive fire protection within their buildings and take proportionate steps to address identified issues.
School buildings present particular challenges for fire compartmentation. Many are older, have been extended or altered over time, and contain a mix of original and later construction. Our surveys are designed to assess compartment integrity, identify breaches and deficiencies, and provide clear reporting that supports practical decision-making within education settings.
This service is typically instructed where a school or education provider needs an independent assessment of passive fire protection across one or more buildings, whether prompted by a fire risk assessment recommendation, compliance review, planned works or estate-wide fire safety programme.
Assessment of fire-separating elements including walls, floors, junctions and penetrations to determine whether intended compartmentation lines remain effective.
Review of penetrations through fire-separating elements for mechanical, electrical and plumbing services, including assessment of firestopping condition and adequacy.
Assessment of fire doors, frames, ironmongery and self-closing devices within compartmentation lines, including condition, installation quality and certification.
Review of compartmentation within roof spaces, ceiling voids and concealed areas where fire and smoke spread risk may be less visible but significant.
Schools are occupied buildings with particular responsibilities for the safety of children, staff and visitors. Early identification of compartmentation deficiencies allows responsible persons to take proportionate action, plan remedial works and demonstrate a defensible approach to fire safety management.
We agree the scope of the survey with the school, clarifying which buildings and areas are to be assessed and coordinating access arrangements around school operations.
We review available construction information, fire risk assessments and any previous compartmentation records to inform the survey approach.
We carry out a detailed inspection of compartment walls, floors, service penetrations, fire doors and concealed spaces within the agreed scope.
We assess findings by significance and priority, and deliver a clear report with photographs, a deficiency schedule and recommended next steps.
Where needed, we support the school with specification of remedial works, procurement of specialist contractors and oversight of delivery.
A school where the fire risk assessment has flagged compartmentation concerns and the responsible person needs a detailed assessment to understand the actual position.
A trust instructing compartmentation surveys across 8 academy sites to establish a consistent estate-wide view of passive fire protection condition.
A school planning refurbishment works where compartmentation integrity needs to be assessed before building work begins to avoid creating new breaches.
A school that has completed building alterations and needs confirmation that compartmentation lines have been maintained or properly reinstated.
For inspection and reporting on fire door condition, certification and compliance.
View ServiceFor compliance advisory under the Building Safety Act 2022 framework.
View ServiceFor independent assessment of building condition alongside fire safety review.
View ServiceFor project advisory and contract administration for remedial fire safety works.
View ServiceFor structured procurement of fire compartmentation remedial contractors.
View ServiceFor wider building consultancy advice across the education sector.
View SectorFire compartmentation is the division of a building into distinct compartments using fire-resisting construction, designed to contain fire and smoke spread and support safe evacuation. In schools, this is critical because of the number of occupants and the nature of the buildings.
Not necessarily, but where a fire risk assessment identifies concerns about passive fire protection, or where buildings have been altered over time, a compartmentation survey provides a clearer understanding of the actual position.
Yes. Surveys can be carried out during term time or during school holidays, subject to access arrangements and scope. We work with schools to minimise disruption.
The survey assesses visible and accessible areas. Where construction is concealed, the report will recommend targeted opening-up or further investigation where the risk justifies it.
Yes. Follow-on support can include specification of remedial works, procurement, tender evaluation and contract administration through to completion.
A fire compartmentation survey provides detailed technical evidence about passive fire protection that can inform and support the fire risk assessment process. It addresses the compartmentation elements that a general FRA may flag but not assess in detail.
A guide on interpreting findings, taking proportionate action and managing remedial priorities in education buildings.
Read GuideA guide on fire door inspection scope, process and what to do with the findings.
Read GuideGuidance on procurement options and governance for public sector building works including schools.
Read GuideContact our team to discuss a fire compartmentation assessment for your buildings.