Modern Access Control for Schools: Clean, Safe and Contact-Free

Summary

Returning to school after the summer holidays brings not just pupils and staff, but also germs from home, transport, and activities. Modern touchless access control systems help schools reduce the spread of illness, protect staff and students and maintain a safe, secure environment - without compromising on security.

Maintaining a hygienic environment is essential for schools, especially as pupils and staff return from the summer holidays. With everyone bringing germs from home, public transport and extracurricular activities, areas that see frequent daily use, like entrances, staff rooms, and administrative offices become high-risk points for spreading illnesses.

Schools already face ongoing challenges from common illnesses such as norovirus, flu, and colds, which can quickly spread through contact with shared surfaces. Access control systems, while remain crucial for security, can also become points of transmission if not managed carefully.

Why Hygiene Is So Important in Schools

In the education sector, teachers, staff, and students interact with doors, keypads and readers multiple times a day. Children, in particular, often do not have the best handwashing habits, which increases the likelihood of germs spreading through shared surfaces. Each touchpoint, from door handles to access control readers is a potential vector for illnesses. 

Minimising contact with these surfaces is therefore not only about keeping individuals healthy, it’s about keeping the entire school running smoothly. Reducing exposure to germs helps prevent staff and student absences, avoids disruption to lessons and lowers the risk of larger outbreaks across the school community.

The Rise of Touchless Access Control

The good news is that modern access control technology now allows schools to combine security, safeguarding and hygiene. Touchless systems are more accurate, affordable and easy to integrate into existing infrastructure. Here are some key solutions:

• Recognition (Safeguarding Use Only) – In a safeguarding context, modern systems can help ensure only authorised staff and visitors gain entry, supporting compliance with Ofsted and keeping students safe. It is important to note that use should be carefully controlled to avoid misuse, as some schools in the UK have been criticised in the past for applying the technology inappropriately (e.g. for cashless catering).

• Contactless Biometrics – Fingerprint, vascular and hand geometry scanners now allow hands to be presented near a reader without touching a surface. Voiceprint, retina and iris scanning provide further touch-free options.

• Integration with Existing Infrastructure – Many touchless solutions work with current access control systems, avoiding costly rebuilds or replacements.

Opening Doors Hygienically

Unlocking a door without touching handles can still pose challenges. Schools can adopt several practical strategies:

• Automatic Doors – Convenient for staff and students, automatic doors systems allow entry and exit without touching handles and reduce the risk of spreading germs.

• Touchless Exit Buttons – Available in most modern systems, these allow staff and students to exit without contact.

Access Control Systems: Benefits Beyond Hygiene

Contact-free access control helps schools maintain security while protecting health:

• Reduce Absences – Less exposure to germs means fewer staff and student sick days.

• Minimise Outbreaks – Lower risk of spreading common illnesses like flu or norovirus.

• Safeguard Students – Hygiene does not compromise safety. Touchless systems still control access efficiently, helping schools adhere to safeguarding policies and ensure compliance with Ofsted criteria for secure, monitored environments. 

Investing in modern, touchless access control is about more than technology, it’s about creating a safer, cleaner environment for staff and students alike. With the right systems in place, schools can ensure secure access while keeping germs at bay, helping maintain operational continuity and peace of mind.

A-Plus Security are a NSI Gold Approved company, who provide a range of security installation and maintenance services to help you establish a robust and future-ready position for your premises.

If you want to explore contact-free access control solutions for your school, Contact us here or call us on 01702 293157 to find out more and discuss the best options for your environment.