All schools to have defibrillators by the end of the academic year.

All state-funded schools in England currently without a defibrillator will receive one by the end of the academic year.

Deliveries began on 20 January following the Government’s commitment last year to ensure all state-funded schools had this life-saving equipment.

Over 20,000 defibrillators will be distributed to schools around the country. In areas that do not have access to defibrillators the Government is helping schools make the defibrillators available to the community with defibrillator cabinets that can be placed outdoors.

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan MP said:

“Today we’re celebrating a huge milestone as we start deliveries of defibrillators to schools, working towards every school having one by the end of the academic year.

“None of this would have come about without the relentless and brave campaigning of Mark King and the Oliver King Foundation. We are extremely grateful to him and other leading charities for the ongoing support they will doubtless provide schools from lesson plans to staff training.”

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones said: “It is good news that all state-schools will soon have defibrillators. I hope this improves safety in schools and saves lives in the event of any life-threatening situations.”