School Security Case Study: Magdalen College CCTV upgrade

 

A fully integrated security solution, including CCTV upgrade, surveillance, access control & maintenance.

Magdalen College, Oxford is one of the most historic and prestigious colleges of the University of Oxford, known for its architectural beauty and academic excellence.

We are proud to support such an iconic institution, helping to secure its historic buildings, grounds, and community of over 9,000 alumni.

Over the past three years, the college has partnered with Safeguard Systems to implement a fully integrated security solution.

 

Our Partnership

Magdalen Oxford College was operating with an outdated CCTV system that no longer met modern security standards. Recognising the importance of maintaining a safe and secure environment for both students and staff, the college partnered with Safeguard Systems to deliver a comprehensive upgrade of their CCTV infrastructure.

The project involved the installation of a new NVR system and high-performance CCTV cameras across all critical areas of the campus, including car park access points, the playground, tennis courts, and the main entrance.

Our engagement began in 2024, and we are proud to have elevated the college’s security capabilities. This enhancement enables full system visibility and control, providing peace of mind.

The Challenge

Magdalen Oxford College faced several security concerns:

  • Ageing CCTV system with poor image quality
  • Limited coverage across key areas of the campus
  • Inefficient incident response due to lack of real-time visibility
  • Growing safeguarding requirements for students and staff

The school needed a scalable, future-proof solution that would enhance safety without disrupting daily operations.

Our tailored approach

The project began with a comprehensive site survey, enabling us to design and deliver a solution tailored to the college’s specific operational and security needs.

We also implemented an ongoing maintenance agreement to ensure long-term performance.

Tailored Commercial CCTV Installation Process

Our process ensures our customers get the highest level of service from initial inquiry through to installation and beyond.

  • 1. Initial consultation

  • 2. System design

  • 3. Approval and order

  • 4. Solution installation

  • 5. Customer training

  • 6. Ongoing Maintenance

A Growing Partnership, Strengthened Over Time

In June 2024, we proposed a full upgrade of the NVRs, replacing existing PTZ and turret cameras with advanced PanoVu models, alongside a system takeover and planned maintenance package. This was followed by our scheduled annual preventative maintenance visit in February 2025.

Building on this foundation, we were commissioned in October 2025 to further expand and enhance CCTV coverage across the site.

This ongoing collaboration led to the successful completion, in early 2026, of the installation and commissioning of new CCTV systems across key areas – including playgrounds, car parks, tennis courts, the school perimeter, gardens, and main entrances – utilising high-performance Hikvision AcuSense and multisensory technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are PTZ cameras?

PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) cameras are surveillance cameras that can be controlled remotely to pan (move horizontally), tilt (move vertically), or zoom in and out.

They are commonly used in security and surveillance systems to cover a large area or to focus on a specific area of interest.

PTZ cameras are typically more expensive than fixed cameras, but offer the flexibility to cover a wider range of areas and adjust the field of view as needed.

NVR (Network Video Recorder) cameras are digital IP surveillance cameras that process video data directly on the camera before transmitting it to a recorder. They offer high-resolution, often with Power over Ethernet (PoE) for simple, reliable, wired installation, or via Wi-Fi.
A Network Video Recorder (NVR) is a specialized computer that records security video surveillance footage in digital format to a hard drive.
Ideal for 24/7 security, they provide advanced features like AI motion detection, night vision, and remote smartphone viewing.

 

NVR Cameras

NVR Camera Systems

Hikvision’s PanoVu Series Cameras Offer Multi-Sensor Panoramic Solutions for Vast Coverage Applications.
They offer 180° or 360° panoramic, high-resolution (up to 32 MP) surveillance, combining multiple sensors for seamless, wide-area coverage with efficient, single-cable installation. These models are suitable to secure for large areas.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hikvision camera – PanoVu model

A turret camera (or “eyeball” camera) is a security camera featuring a ball-and-socket design where the lens pivots within a mount, allowing for 360-degree positioning without an enclosure. They lack a glass dome cover, preventing infrared reflection and providing superior night vision and easier installation.

 

 

 

 

 


Turret Camera

Turret cameras and dome cameras are both types of surveillance cameras that are designed to be highly flexible.

Turret CCTV cameras are mounted on a fixed base and have a small, rotating dome, while dome cameras are encased in a dome-shaped housing that is mounted on a ceiling or wall.

Both types of cameras have their own advantages and disadvantages,

Turret cameras may be more durable and weather-resistant than dome cameras, but dome cameras may offer a more discreet and unobtrusive appearance.

Looking for an integrated security system to protect your school?

Speak to Safeguard Systems, a specialist security installer, with extensive experience in securing schools.

Book a free site assessment and receive a tailored proposal.

We’ll review your current system and recommend cost-effective improvements.

Prefer to call? Use the number below to speak with an expert today.

  0800 689 1835

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