Identifying the Problem

Portland School in Blythe Bridge is a Shaw Education Trust school dedicated to providing exceptional learning and experiences to pupils with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

During recent routine compliance checks, an issue was flagged that highlighted the persistent issues with the durability of the school’s standard fire doors. These doors have suffered extensive damage over time, which can critically compromise the safeguarding of students and staff in the event of a fire emergency.

The primary cause of this damage is student-related activity, including:

• Excessive force
• Accidental impacts
• Intentional misuse

The damage led to several safety and security concerns, such as:

• Compromised fire safety
• Safeguarding concerns
• Security risks.

Researching Potential Solutions

Simon Bryan and Soames Inscker, Estates Project Managers at Shaw Education Trust, took proactive steps to address a recurring issue with the existing fire doors. They invested significant time researching alternatives, consulting with industry professionals, and visiting other schools and PRUs to assess different solutions. Their investigation identified two key problems with the current setup:

• Inadequate durability: The standard 30-minute wooden laminate fire doors were easily damaged and not robust enough.

• Weak Locking System: relying on a single magnetic lock at the top, was inadequate and vulnerable to tampering.

After careful evaluation, they chose the Metador Defender Xtraguard for its exceptional durability, advanced security features, and proven ability to withstand high-impact use in demanding educational environments. With thicker steel, a solid timber core, and high-security locking systems, the Defender Xtraguard delivers robust protection where standard solutions fall short.

The Solution

Working closely with FDL Contractors and the Shaw Education Trust, Metador Ltd delivered a tailored, high-performance solution for Portland School. Over the half-term break, we supplied 11 Defender Xtraguard doorsets in key corridor locations to meet the school’s specific operational and safeguarding needs.

Key Enhancements:

• Thicker Steel: Steel skin upgraded from 1.5mm to 2mm for enhanced durability.

• High-Security Locks: Twin integrated 1200lbs magnetic locks placed at the top and bottom of the door, along with a motorized ASSA Abloy V bolt lock for added security.

• Toughened Glass Panels: 19mm toughened glass vision panels with reduced width to minimize vulnerability while maintaining clear sightlines.

• Anti-Ligature Handles: Designed to support a safer environment for students.

• Concealed Door Closer: Located within the head of the frame to prevent damage and tampering.

Aesthetically, the doors were finished in a pastel green powder coating, chosen to soften the look and reduce the institutional feel—contributing to a more welcoming and supportive atmosphere for students.

Results

Through these upgrades, Portland School has significantly enhanced the security, resilience, and visual appeal of its internal doors, creating a safer and more controlled learning environment for both staff and pupils.

These upgrades showcase how Metador Doors are Designed to Protect, ensuring that safety and security are prioritised within educational environments.