30 Years in School Fencing: What We’ve Learned

At Airedale Fencing, we’ve spent over 30 years securing schools across West Yorkshire. Whilst we are based in Bradford, we’ve helped schools from Leeds, Wakefield, Huddersfield, Halifax and even further afield on occasion. From small local primary schools to large multi-academy trusts, we’ve seen first-hand what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to protecting pupils, staff, and property.

Here’s what three decades in the field have taught us about getting school fencing right:

One Size Does Not Fit All

Every school is different.
A large secondary in Leeds has very different security needs from a small primary in Skipton. That’s why cookie-cutter solutions rarely work. Site layout, foot traffic, surrounding environment, safeguarding needs—all of these factors should influence your fencing choices.
We always start with a detailed site visit to understand the full picture before recommending anything. It’s about fitting the solution to you, not the other way around.

The Cheapest Option Often Ends Up the Most Expensive

We’ve lost count of how many times we’ve been called in to fix or replace “budget fencing” that didn’t last.
Choosing the cheapest quote might save you money in the short term, but long-term? You’ll likely end up paying double once repairs, downtime, and safety issues are factored in.
Our advice: invest once, install properly, and have peace of mind for years.

School Safety Standards Have Evolved

When we first started out, school fencing was mainly about keeping people out. These days, it’s just as much about keeping pupils safe inside the perimeter—and being visibly compliant with safeguarding requirements.
Ofsted inspections, local authority guidelines, and Department for Education (DfE) recommendations have all tightened over the years. That’s why we build solutions that go beyond looking secure—they are secure, and they meet all current standards.

Trust is Earned On-Site

You can have the best materials in the world, but if the install team doesn’t respect your school environment, it all falls apart.
We know how important it is to work safely, discreetly, and respectfully—especially during term time. Our installers are fully DBS-checked, used to working on live school sites, and always communicate clearly with site teams.
We show up when we say we will, and we leave things tidy when we go. Simple as that.

Clear Communication is Vital

Over the years, we’ve learned that school business managers and site teams don’t have time for vague quotes or confusing jargon.
They want straight answers. Clear pricing. Realistic timelines. That’s why we pride ourselves on honest, no-fluff communication at every stage—from first enquiry to project handover.
No surprises. No nonsense. Just a clear, confident service.

Reputation Matters Most in This Sector

Schools talk to each other. Referrals, word-of-mouth, and reputation are everything in our world—and we wouldn’t have lasted 30 years without earning the trust of hundreds of school teams.

We’re proud of our track record, and even prouder of the feedback we receive. Headteachers, site managers, and school business leaders regularly tell us how reassuring it is to work with a company that actually delivers on its promises.

You can check out our latest reviews here, or speak to one of our past school clients directly—we’re happy to connect you.

Final Thoughts

Three decades of school fencing has taught us this: safety and trust are earned through experience, not promises.
If your school is planning a fencing upgrade, new gates, or safety improvements this year, let’s make it simple.

Get in touch for a no-pressure chat—we’ll help you find the right solution for your site, your budget, and your pupils.

📞 Call us on 01274 964930
📧 Email: info@airedalefencing.co.uk
🔗 Or book a site visit here: airedalefencing.co.uk