At Nower Hill High School, safeguarding students, staff, and visitors is a top priority. With hundreds of individuals entering and leaving the premises daily, the school recognised the need to strengthen its perimeter security and streamline access control.
To achieve this, our team delivered a comprehensive Paxton gate access control system upgrade, combining robust hardware, smart cabling solutions, and seamless integration with existing security infrastructure.
This case study explores the installation process, the technology deployed, and the tangible benefits the school now enjoys.
The upgrade centred around the installation of a Paxton vandal-resistant video/audio intercom system with integrated keypad and proximity reader. This device was chosen for its durability, reliability, and ability to withstand the rigours of a busy school environment.
Key elements of the project included:
Intercom installation: A vandal-resistant video/audio unit with keypad and proximity reader.
Cabling infrastructure: Cable runs were protected in galvanised steel PVC-clad flexible conduit, ensuring resilience against weather and accidental damage.
Groundworks: Our team installed an underground duct beneath the gate, connecting to a black post fitted with a weatherproof, touch-free exit button.
Networking: The system was fully integrated with three Paxton handsets across the school, all programmed consistently with the Paxton access control door.
Together, these elements created a modern gate access control system that is both secure and user-friendly.
Schools face unique challenges when it comes to security. With multiple entry points, large numbers of students, and frequent visitors, it is essential to balance accessibility with safety. Prior to this upgrade, Nower Hill School relied on older systems that lacked the resilience and modern features required to manage today’s security demands.
The new gate access control system provides:
Staff can now see who is requesting access in real time. This visual confirmation adds a critical layer of security, preventing unauthorised entry and ensuring visitors are who they claim to be.
The audio function allows staff to speak directly with visitors, clarifying their purpose before granting access. This reduces confusion and enhances visitor management.
With keypad and proximity reader functionality, authorised staff and students can enter quickly using codes or proximity cards. This eliminates bottlenecks at busy times and ensures smooth flow of people through the gate access control system.
The system is designed to withstand outdoor conditions, ensuring consistent performance regardless of weather.
The success of this project lies not only in the technology but also in the quality of installation.
Cabling in galvanised steel PVC-clad conduit ensures long-term protection against wear, tear, and environmental factors.
Underground ducting beneath the gate provides a neat, safe, and secure route for cables, avoiding trip hazards and exposure.
The touch-free exit button enhances hygiene and convenience, particularly important in a school environment where hundreds of students use the gate daily.
This attention to detail ensures the gate access control system operates reliably and efficiently.
Since the installation, Nower Hill School has reported a noticeable improvement in site security and operational efficiency.
The gate access control system has become a cornerstone of the school’s safeguarding strategy.
The Paxton Gate Upgrade at Nower Hill School demonstrates how thoughtful investment in a gate access control system can transform safety and efficiency. By combining vandal-resistant hardware, robust cabling, and seamless integration, the school now benefits from a system that is secure, user-friendly, and future-ready.
This project highlights the importance of video/audio intercom systems in modern educational environments. They not only protect against intruders but also streamline daily operations, ensuring that schools remain safe, welcoming, and well-managed spaces for learning.
