Is it a legal requirement for schools to have public liability insurance?

No. Public liability insurance is not a general legal requirement for schools, unlike employers liability, which is compulsory for almost every employer. The obligation comes from the Academy Trust Handbook, local authority requirements, the Independent Schools Inspectorate and the contracts schools sign, and a school without it would meet any injury claim from its own funds.

Do schools have to display their public liability insurance certificate?

No. The duty to display a certificate applies to employers liability, not public liability. Many schools still publish their public liability details because parents, hirers and visiting providers ask for them, and hirers of school premises are usually asked to show their own cover in return.

What does a school's public liability insurance not cover?

It does not cover injury to the school's own staff (employers liability), claims about teaching or SEN provision (professional indemnity), damage to the school's own property or vehicles. Policies also restrict named activities such as adventure sports, overseas trips, pools and lettings unless declared, and some exclude abuse claims without an extension.

How much does public liability insurance cost for a school?

There is no standard figure; for most academies the cost is a per-pupil RPA charge. Commercial cover is rated on pupil and staff numbers, type of school, activities and trips, the limit required, lettings, claims record and risk management, and is normally bought as part of a wider school package.

What does the RPA cover for an academy trust?

The Risk Protection Arrangement covers property damage and business interruption, employers liability, public liability, governors and officers liability, professional indemnity, fidelity, overseas travel and cyber. It does not cover motor vehicles, statutory engineering inspection or staff absence, which a trust buys separately.

Does an academy in the RPA still need commercial insurance?

Usually for three things: a motor policy for minibuses and trust-owned vehicles, an engineering inspection contract for lifts, boilers and pressure systems, and staff absence cover. Trusts may also buy commercial cover where the RPA limits do not suit a site or a lender requires a named insurer.

What insurance does an alternative provision setting need?

Public liability with an abuse and molestation extension, employers liability, professional indemnity for educational and therapeutic work, buildings or tenants improvements and contents, business interruption, personal accident for pupils, and cover for off-site activities. Insurers rate on DfE registration and Ofsted status, staff ratios, restraint and safeguarding policies and local authority placing arrangements.

Do Schools Have Public Liability Insurance? School Cover Explained

Q: Do schools have public liability insurance?

Yes, most schools do. Local authority maintained schools are covered by the council, academies either hold public liability through the DfE Risk Protection Arrangement or buy it commercially, and independent schools buy it as part of a school insurance package. The limit is typically 5 million or 10 million pounds and extends to pupils, parents, visitors and activities off site.

Most UK schools hold public liability insurance, through a council arrangement, the DfE Risk Protection Arrangement or a commercial school policy. It covers injury or property damage claims from pupils, parents, visitors and the public; limits, terms and exclusions depend on the insurer and the policy arranged for that school or trust.

Cover is subject to underwriting, insurer terms and acceptance. Policy limits and exclusions apply.