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Schools security camera systems Safeguard Systems

In charge of security for your school? Looking to learn more about the best security camera systems for schools? Read our guide today! 

The safety and security of students and staff are paramount in any educational setting. Schools and colleges are places where students learn and grow, and it is essential to create a safe and secure environment for them to thrive. 

The best way to ensure the safety of students and staff is by installing a reliable and efficient CCTV camera system.

Key article takeaways (TL;DR)

  • Dome, turret, and PTZ cameras each play a role in school security camera systems.
  • The best systems balance coverage, safeguarding needs, and data protection compliance.
  • CCTV surveillance systems support behaviour monitoring, visitor control, and emergency incident response.
  • Classroom cameras are increasingly used in SEND settings and safeguarding scenarios.
  • Choosing the right cameras depends on site layout, lighting, and specific security goals.

Table of contents

What are the best security camera systems for schools?

In this article, we will discuss the best school security camera systems that can help you create a secure environment for your students.

Covering classroom CCTV, dome, PTZ, and ANPR cameras, along with remote CCTV monitoring and more, this guide will help you understand the systems and solutions best suited to your school. 

If you’re looking to protect pupils, teachers and staff, well designed, professionally installed school CCTV systems are highly recommended.

1. Classroom security camera systems

Classroom CCTV systems are an essential component of any school security camera system. If you’re currently looking for ways to improve security in your school classrooms, installing CCTV cameras could be a wise choice.

All in all, schools will install these cameras inside classrooms to monitor student behaviour and ensure that they are safe while studying.

Altogether, these cameras also help teachers keep an eye on students who may be misbehaving or engaging in disruptive activities. 

Furthermore, classroom security cameras also protect teachers from a range of threats. For example, a violent, angry pupil may think twice about abusing a teacher if they are under surveillance. 

2. Dome cameras in corridors

In the next three sections of this guide to the best security camera systems for schools, we focus on some specific camera types. 

In summary, dome CCTV cameras are widely used in school corridors as they offer a wide angle view of the area. Plus, dome cameras are tamper-proof and can withstand rough handling, making them ideal for use in schools.

Lastly, these security cameras are ideal for monitoring large areas like corridors, entrances, and exits.

Altogether, monitoring corridors to spot anti-social behaviour, theft and in some cases drug dealing is a key benefit of having CCTV cameras installed in schools.

3. PTZ cameras monitoring external areas

PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) cameras typically monitor external areas like playgrounds, parking lots and school entrances. You can remotely control these cameras to pan, tilt and zoom in on areas of interest. 

They can also be programmed to follow moving objects, making them ideal for use in schools where there is a lot of movement.

I practice, if a fight breaks out and you have an onsite security operative, they can zoom in on the situation and gain insight into the perpetrators.

Furthermore, if the cameras spots an intruder, the pan feature enables a security operative to follow them (within the range of the device) and take appropriate action.

Related reading: The different types of school and classroom CCTV cameras and systems

4. Hikvision Panovu cameras providing a complete field of view

Hikvision Panovu cameras are ideal for monitoring large areas like school playgrounds and sports fields.

These cameras offer a complete 360-degree field of view, allowing you to monitor the entire area with a single camera. 

They are also weatherproof and can withstand extreme temperatures, making them ideal for use in outdoor areas.

Additionally, they can monitor a wide area from a single vantage point reducing the cost of cabling and camera volumes.

This key benefit is highlighted by how this school’s sports pitches now have fewer cameras monitoring the same area. But with less cameras.

5. Perimeter surveillance camera systems

Surveillance cameras are used to monitor the perimeter of the school, including the fence line and gates.

These cameras help detect any unauthorised access or suspicious activity and alert security personnel. 

They are also equipped with infrared sensors, which can detect motion and capture clear images in low-light conditions.

Many schools have vast grounds and the site perimeter is a potential weak spot when intruders and thieves can make entry.

Visible perimeter security cameras can be a visible and strong deterrent to intruders.

6. ANPR cameras deployed as gate access control

ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras are used to control access to the school gates.

These cameras can read the number plates of vehicles entering and exiting the school and compare them to a database of authorised vehicles. If a vehicle is not authorised, the ANPR camera won’t grant access. 

Additionally, ANPR cameras can protect pupils from sex offenders. The sex offender register will hold number plate information on known individuals. If their car approaches a school, an alarm signal will be triggered for the appropriate action to be taken. 

Not all schools know about this option, therefore, making an investment in ANPR, one of the best security camera systems for schools.

Related reading: ANPR CCTV system for a school

7. Remote CCTV monitoring

CCTV monitoring systems are a solid choice for schools requiring out-of-hours security but don’t have the budget to employ guards. 

With CCTV monitoring for schools, your CCTV cameras are fitted with sensors. When the sensors are triggered an alert is sent to an offsite monitoring station. A professional security operative will then review the footage and if they spot a threat, they will contact the authorities.

If you are looking to reduce the cost of security and improve threat detection, remote monitoring really is one of the best CCTV systems for schools. 

8. Thermal CCTV cameras for low and no light settings

Thermal CCTV cameras are designed to capture images in low and no-light settings. These cameras are ideal for schools with vast grounds to protect.

These cameras use infrared radiation to detect heat signatures and convert them into visible images. Thermal cameras are ideal for use in areas where there is little or no light, such as staff car parks or outdoor areas.

9. Covert CCTV cameras detecting theft

Covert CCTV cameras are designed to be discreet and blend in with their surroundings, making them difficult to detect. These cameras are ideal for use in areas where theft or vandalism is a concern. 

You can place covert surveillance cameras in inconspicuous locations, such as bookshelves or light fixtures, to catch thieves in the act.

If your school has an issue with items going missing, such as iPads or science equipment, covert CCTV systems can be deployed to catch the perpetrators. Prosecutors can then use the footage as evidence against criminals.

Sound interesting?

Read our guide to covert CCTV & spy cameras.

10. Anti-ligature cameras to prevent suicide

Anti-ligature, otherwise known as Hanwha’s corner cameras can be an essential tool in preventing suicide and self-harm in schools. Where there are ‘at-risk’ pupils, these cameras can be deployed to minimise the risk of suicide or attempted suicide. 

Anti-ligature CCTV cameras are designed to prevent suicide in high-risk areas such as bathrooms, stairwells and discrete areas of the site. These cameras are designed to be tamper-proof and can withstand attempts to break or damage them. 

Anti-ligature cameras can also monitor at-risk individuals and alert security personnel if there is a potential threat.

11. Security cameras monitoring school playgrounds

Incidents and accidents often happen in and around school playgrounds. Kids picking up bumps and scrapes are commonplace.

Furthermore, fights and bullying can occur in these locations along with the threat of drug dealing and other forms of anti-social behaviour.

To detect and prevent a range of threats, well-placed school security cameras will help deliver on this security objective.

The best security camera systems for schools – conclusion

In conclusion, a reliable and efficient CCTV camera system is essential for ensuring the safety and security of students and staff in schools. There are various types of CCTV cameras available that are designed to meet different requirements. 

Whether you need to monitor classrooms, corridors, or outdoor areas, there is a CCTV camera system that can meet your needs. By installing the right CCTV camera system, you can create a safe and secure environment for your students to learn and grow.

Further related reading

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Frequently asked questions

What are the best types of security camera systems for schools?

The best school CCTV systems use a mix of dome, turret, and PTZ cameras. Dome cameras suit indoor areas for their discreet appearance. Turrets are ideal for outdoor spaces needing strong night vision. PTZ cameras monitor large, open areas.

Can schools install security cameras in classrooms?

Yes, but only under strict safeguarding and privacy policies. Classroom cameras are sometimes used in SEND environments, high-risk behaviour cases, or safeguarding reviews. Clear communication with staff, parents, and pupils is essential to remain GDPR-compliant.

Where should security camera systems be installed in a school?

Key locations include entrances, exits, corridors, stairwells, playgrounds, and car parks. Some schools install cameras in reception areas and IT suites. Placement should prioritise safeguarding without breaching privacy, especially in classrooms or changing areas.

What are the benefits of using surveillance cameras in schools?

Surveillance cameras help deter bullying, vandalism, and intrusions. They improve safeguarding, support investigations, and provide peace of mind. When monitored in real time, they also aid faster responses during emergencies or lockdowns.

Are security cameras in school classrooms legal in the UK?

Yes, if used appropriately. Schools must justify the use, minimise intrusion, and follow GDPR. Cameras should never be used for covert monitoring or in areas where pupils or staff have a reasonable expectation of privacy.

What features should the best surveillance cameras for schools include?

Top school CCTV systems should include HD recording, night vision, wide-angle lenses, motion detection, audio capture (where permitted), and remote viewing capabilities.

How can schools choose the best CCTV camera systems?

A professional site survey is key. It considers the school’s size, layout, lighting conditions, risk areas, and safeguarding needs. A tailored system should strike the right balance between visibility, deterrence, privacy, and ease of use.