MES Systems provides ongoing maintenance and technical support for the fire and security systems across both Fullhurst Community College sites in Leicester. We have also delivered significant additions and upgrades, including extending the existing access control system to a further 135 doors and installing a new vape detection system.
The integrated systems include CCTV, intruder alarms, fire alarms, automated gates, perimeter protection and access control. Together, they improve safety, security and day-to-day site management for both staff and students.
Our approach ensures the systems remain practical, cost-effective and future-proof, with the flexibility to expand as the college’s requirements evolve.
MES Systems provides trusted fire and security solutions for schools and colleges throughout Leicestershire and the wider Midlands.
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Case Study
About Fullhurst Community College
Fullhurst Community College is an 11–16 comprehensive school in Braunstone, south-west Leicester, serving around 1,500 students across two separate sites.
In any school environment, the safety of students, staff, and visitors is a top priority. With multiple teaching spaces and staff areas across both campuses, the school needed a security solution that was effective, practical, and easy to manage.
The challenge of securing a busy multi-site school
The goal was to expand the school’s existing access control system across both Leicestershire sites, giving staff greater control over movement between buildings and access to key areas. With multiple buildings, entrances and high-traffic locations, the solution needed to:
- Strengthen security across the full site
- Improve control over who can access key areas
- Reduce reliance on impractical physical keys
- Support the safety of students, staff, and visitors
- Allow for future expansion as the school’s requirements change
- Remain practical in a busy educational setting
Need to improve access control, CCTV, lockdown alerts or fire safety across your school site? Speak to our team.
An integrated approach to school fire and security
Working closely with the school over several years, MES Systems has maintained, expanded and upgraded its fire and security systems, supporting a fully integrated solution across both sites.
Access Control: We expanded the school’s existing access control system by installing Paxton Net2 across approximately 135 additional doors, giving the school greater control over movement around the site. The solution includes proximity readers, card-based access and integration with the fire alarm system for emergency door release, providing a secure and straightforward system for staff and students to use.
CCTV: We have maintained and expanded the existing CCTV to improve site-wide monitoring with approximately 140 CCTV cameras covering both external areas and internal communal spaces.
Intruder Alarm and Perimeter Protection:
We maintain the school’s comprehensive intruder alarm system, automated vehicle and pedestrian gates and wider perimeter protection systems. Together, these help strengthen site security and control access at key entry points.
Fire Safety Systems: MES Systems maintains the school’s fire alarm, public address, disabled refuge and VESDA aspirating smoke detection systems. Together, these systems support effective emergency communication and a fast, coordinated response when required.
Vape Detection and Safety Monitoring:
To help the school address vaping and related behavioural concerns, we installed a vape detection system that sends real-time alerts to designated staff. This enables incidents to be identified and addressed quickly, providing an additional layer of safeguarding across the school.
The impact across both school sites
The systems maintained and expanded by MES Systems help create a safer, more secure and easier-to-manage environment across both campuses. We have completed significant additions and upgrades while continuing to provide ongoing maintenance and technical support for the school’s perimeter protection, access control, CCTV and emergency systems.
Together, these systems strengthen site security, support student safeguarding and improve day-to-day management. They also enhance visibility, emergency preparedness and behaviour monitoring, helping to reduce damage, disruption and unauthorised access.
MES Systems installed the vape detection system, which provides real-time alerts to designated staff and offers an additional layer of safeguarding support. We also expanded the existing access control system, using proximity readers and a single multi-purpose access card to give the school greater control over access to sensitive and high-traffic areas while removing the practical difficulties associated with traditional keys.
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Keep Students and Staff Safe with Comprehensive Fire and Security
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Frequently asked questions
What fire and security systems can MES Systems install for a school?
What fire and security systems can MES Systems install for a school?
MES Systems can design, install, maintain and expand a wide range of fire, security and safeguarding systems for schools and colleges. These include CCTV, access control, intruder alarms, fire alarms, automated gates and barriers, perimeter protection, public address and lockdown systems, disabled refuge systems, VESDA aspirating smoke detection and vape detection systems.
Each solution can be tailored to the school’s site, safeguarding requirements and day-to-day operational needs, with the flexibility to expand or upgrade systems as those requirements change.
Why are integrated fire and security systems important for schools?
Why are integrated fire and security systems important for schools?
Integrated fire and security systems help schools improve safeguarding, control access, monitor important areas, strengthen perimeter security, and respond quickly in emergencies. When connected, systems such as fire alarms, lockdown alarms, access control, gates, and barriers can work together to support a coordinated, effective response and create a safer school environment.
Are schools required to have a lockdown alarm?
Are schools required to have a lockdown alarm?
No, there is no specific requirement for schools to have a dedicated lockdown alarm. However, when Martyn’s Law comes fully into force, qualifying premises will need appropriate public-protection procedures to help staff respond to an incident. A distinct lockdown alarm or voice-message system can provide a clear and practical way to communicate those procedures across a busy school site. Learn more about Martyn's Law and Schools
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