Client details:
Site: www.ladymargaret.lbhf.sch.uk
Sector: Education
Size: 720 pupils, 90 staff
Where: UK, London
entrustIT’s bespoke solution ensured we installed cutting edge kit with a high design-led aesthetic”
Lady Margaret School
Global leaders in facilities management
Lady Margaret School is a Church of England academy for girls aged 11 to 18, located in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. Established over 95 years ago, the school currently supports approximately 720 pupils, including 182 students in the Sixth Form, alongside a team of around 90 teaching and support staff.
The school is committed to providing a safe, caring, and intellectually stimulating learning environment, underpinned by a broad and well-established programme of extra-curricular activities. This approach supports students in achieving their potential and progressing to fulfilled and enriched lives.
The challenge
As part of a multi-million-pound grant funded by the Local Authority, Lady Margaret School constructed a new building and principal entrance. This development prompted a review of site security and access management arrangements.
With no existing Door Access Control (DAC) system in place, the school identified the need to implement a suitable solution to support increased pupil numbers, streamline the sign-in process, and provide real-time visibility of pupil and visitor presence on site.
The solution
entrustIT proposed the implementation of a Paxton Door Access Control (DAC) system utilising purpose-designed identity cards. This solution enables controlled access through all primary entrances equipped with card readers and integrates with a central database to maintain accurate, real-time records of pupil, staff, and visitor presence on site.
Building on entrustIT’s prior delivery of the Avigilon IP CCTV system, the DAC solution was designed to integrate seamlessly with the existing surveillance platform. When fully configured, this integration allows user access events to be correlated with CCTV footage, supporting enhanced safeguarding and incident investigation where required.
In parallel, entrustIT addressed the requirement for the access control hardware to align with the architectural aesthetic of the newly constructed entrance. Bespoke card reader stands were designed and fabricated in brushed stainless steel, ensuring the technology complemented the modern yet classical design language of the space while discreetly housing the underlying systems.
The benefits
DWM delivered the works to a tightly managed programme defined by LLAOL, coordinating on-site engineering resources alongside multiple contractors delivering parallel services.
Effective planning and collaboration ensured the installation was completed smoothly, with minimal disruption to the airport’s day-to-day operations.
As a result, London Luton Airport now benefits from a highly modern, technically advanced security solution that supports the ongoing safety of passengers and staff. This capability is underpinned by an Excel infrastructure platform, backed by a comprehensive 25-year warranty, providing long-term assurance and resilience.
