For more on this part of the insurance industry:
This type of insurance safeguards educational institutions, from primary schools to colleges and universities, against risks linked to teaching, student safety and more. It helps shield them in situations like:
The UK has more than 32,000 schools and over 160 higher education providers. Schools, colleges and universities insurance helps them stay legally protected and financially secure.
In early 2024, several schools had to close because of dangerous RAAC (reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete) in their buildings. The government helped public schools through the Risk Protection Arrangement (RPA).
Many academies and independent schools without proper cover faced large repair costs. This showed how important campus property insurance is to keep schools running safely and avoid major disruption.
Universities are improving buildings and student spaces, which increases the need for strong property cover. More schools are also joining academy trusts, so group insurance plans are becoming more popular.
As international student numbers grow, colleges insurance in the UK must also cover travel, health and liability risks.
cyberattacks on IT systems: hackers target networks, causing data loss, fines and reputational harm
injuries during activities: poor supervision or unsafe areas lead to costly injury claims
data leaks from third-party tools: leaked records raise legal issues and impact safeguarding insurance for educational institutions
Mental health claims and damage from arson are rising across UK schools and colleges. These hazards are pushing up public liability and property insurance costs.
Brokers should review public liability insurance for schools and check if cover includes student wellbeing.
The following stakeholders in the UK education sector typically need insurance:
Each group needs specialised cover based on their role, size and the services they deliver.
Below are common types of cover that they might need:
Policies may be bought through the private market or government-backed schemes.
Schools usually have a range of insurance policies to protect against various risks. Common types of coverage include:
Schools, colleges and universities insurance can be tailored to suit each institution’s risks and needs.
State-funded schools may opt for the RPA, an alternative to commercial insurance provided by the UK government.
While schools have insurance to cover institutional liabilities, students may require personal insurance for specific situations:
It’s worth checking what’s included and if extra student cover is needed. This helps close gaps in protection not covered by schools, colleges and universities insurance.
Students pay national insurance (NI) if they work and earn above a set weekly amount. The earnings limit and rates are reviewed each year by HMRC.
Most students fall under Class 1 contributions if they are employed. The percentage they pay depends on how much they earn and what type of job they have.
If a school, college, or university employs students, it must follow NI rules. This links directly to employers’ liability, which secures institutions if something goes wrong at work.
Work placements run by schools or universities may also trigger NI and insurance obligations.
Most people in the UK get a national insurance number shortly before turning 16. If not, they can apply once they’re old enough to work legally.
Schools and colleges should check NI records when hiring students or setting up placements. This makes sure that legal duties are met and supports the right insurance documentation.
Having clear NI records also helps institutions stay compliant with schools, colleges and universities insurance requirements linked to staff and student workers.
