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 Difficulties (SEMHD).

During routine compliance checks, an issue was flagged, highlighting the persistent durability problems with the school’s standard doors. These doors had suffered extensive damage over time, which can critically compromise the safety of students and staff in an emergency.

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

• Excessive force
• Accidental impacts
• Intentional misuse

Researching Solutions

Simon and Soames took proactive steps to address a recurring issue with the existing doors. Investing significant time researching alternatives, consulting with industry professionals, and visiting other schools to assess different solutions, their investigation identified two key problems with the current setup:

• Inadequate durability: The standard wooden laminate doors were easily damaged.

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

After careful evaluation, they selected 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 and high-security locking systems, these Defender Xtraguard doorsets deliver robust protection where standard solutions fall short.

The Solution

Working closely with FDL Contractors and the Shaw Education Trust, Metador delivered a tailored, high-performance solution for Portland School. During the half-term break, we supplied 11 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: A combination of twin integrated 1200lbs magnetic locks placed at the top and bottom of the door, along with a motorised ASSA Abloy V bolt lock mounted centrally for added security

• Toughened Glass Panels: 19mm toughened double-glazed glass vision panels with reduced width to minimise 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 and eliminate ligature risk

Aesthetically, the doors were finished in a pastel green powder coat (RAL 7034) to soften the look and reduce the institutional feel, creating 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, and ensure safety and security are prioritised within educational environments.

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