Research by the National Foundation for Educational Research (NfER) found up to three-quarters of all school fires are thought to be the result of arson and estimated that, in 2001 alone, the cost of these attacks was nearly £115m. The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) estimates 60 per cent of school fires are due to arson.
The findings coincided with the release of government guidance for schools on protecting against fire. The DCSF guidance includes advice on fire safety management and new safety standards for new and refurbished schools, including a requirement to install sprinklers.
Schools minister Jim Knight said he expects sprinkler systems to be built in all new schools. He added: "I am particularly concerned that 60 per cent of fires are started deliberately. Arson is a serious crime and a real threat to the communities targeted."
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