Brisbane Grammar School beefing up security to ‘deter criminal activity’

Queensland’s leading school is undergoing a massive security upgrade, with a range of hi-tech measures including 24/7 CCTV, electronic locks and vetting of all visitors to keep its 1900 students and 350 staff safe.

Brisbane Grammar School is beefing up security. Picture: Richard Walker

Queensland’s leading school is installing an advanced surveillance system with security alarms and armoured doors to “deter criminal activity” and threats to its 1900 students and 350 staff.

Brisbane Grammar School on Gregory Terrace, Spring Hill, will get CCTV and a new wireless door locking system like those at Oxford University in England and Princetown University in the US.

“Student safety is our number one objective,” said Nikita Blom, BGS director of marketing and communications.

She said existing security systems throughout the 8ha campus would be upgraded, although she was unaware of any security breaches that prompted the upgrade.

The prestigious school established in 1868 has two boarding houses for 84 students. BGS collected $58.84m in fees last year, according to a report to parliament. Annual fees for senior day boys are up to $32,760.

“We put child protection at the top of our agenda,” Ms Blom said.

“The school’s operational locking system relates directly to protections on the campus.’’

Ms Blom said the new security net would operate “24-7”.

“We have had security systems for quite some time and there are upgrades regularly,” Ms Blom said.

Brisbane Grammar will undergo a massive security upgrade. Picture: Steve Pohlner

The school has provided a briefing document for firms willing to undertake the work.

“The provision of services will require the selected supplier to install and oversee the security networks throughout the campus,” it said.

“This will encompass a range of security systems including CCTV cameras, electronic SALTO locks, boom gates, and access control points.’’

Sophisticated, weatherproof outdoor security cameras that can record clear footage at night will also be added.

The “comprehensive security coverage” would include boom gates aligned with advanced locking systems, CCTV with video management software, video intercoms and microwave links to transmit video and audio and four different sorts of cameras.

The new devices will allow closer vetting of visitors seeking entry. Students and staff will have their own swipe cards.

The school briefing document says CCTV will enhance the security of students and staff, deter unlawful activity and enhance the opportunity to investigate criminal activity and misconduct.

There is also a five-page legal opinion on how video recordings may be collected and stored.

It says BGS may collect footage “for the purpose of investigating serious incidents or allegations of misconduct involving staff and students”.

As well as its Spring Hill campus, BGS has a nine-oval sports complex at Northgate, 10 tennis courts at Kelvin Grove, a rowing shed and clubrooms at West End, and a rural education centre on several Scenic Rim properties near Lake Moogerah, southwest of Brisbane.