diff --git a/docs/how-to/write-tests.md b/docs/how-to/write-tests.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..ad4316e4fe
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/how-to/write-tests.md
@@ -0,0 +1,8 @@
+# Writing Tests in This Python Project
+
+Testing is essential to maintain the integrity and reliability of the codebase. Follow the guidelines below to write tests for this project effectively.
+
+## Test Organization
+
+- **Unit Tests**: Place unit tests for individual components in the `tests` directory, but take care to mirror the file structure of the `src` folder with the corresponding code files. Use the `test_*.py` naming convention for test files.
+- **System Tests**: Tests that interact with DLS infrastructure, network, and filesystem should be placed in the top-level `systems_test` folder. This separation ensures that these tests are easily identifiable and can be run independently from unit tests.
diff --git a/pyproject.toml b/pyproject.toml
index f1f8e42e63..b65b66a9a2 100644
--- a/pyproject.toml
+++ b/pyproject.toml
@@ -115,7 +115,7 @@ filterwarnings = [
     "ignore::DeprecationWarning:wheel",
 ]
 # Doctest python code in docs, python code in src docstrings, test functions in tests
-testpaths = "docs src tests"
+testpaths = "docs src tests system_tests"
 
 [tool.coverage.report]
 exclude_also = [
@@ -176,3 +176,4 @@ lint.select = [
 # See https://github.com/DiamondLightSource/python-copier-template/issues/154
 # Remove this line to forbid private member access in tests
 "tests/**/*" = ["SLF001"]
+"system_tests/**/*" = ["SLF001"]
diff --git a/tests/devices/system_tests/__init__.py b/system_tests/__init__.py
similarity index 100%
rename from tests/devices/system_tests/__init__.py
rename to system_tests/__init__.py
diff --git a/tests/devices/system_tests/test_aperturescatterguard_system.py b/system_tests/test_aperturescatterguard_system.py
similarity index 100%
rename from tests/devices/system_tests/test_aperturescatterguard_system.py
rename to system_tests/test_aperturescatterguard_system.py
diff --git a/tests/devices/system_tests/test_eiger_system.py b/system_tests/test_eiger_system.py
similarity index 100%
rename from tests/devices/system_tests/test_eiger_system.py
rename to system_tests/test_eiger_system.py
diff --git a/tests/devices/system_tests/test_gridscan_system.py b/system_tests/test_gridscan_system.py
similarity index 100%
rename from tests/devices/system_tests/test_gridscan_system.py
rename to system_tests/test_gridscan_system.py
diff --git a/tests/devices/system_tests/test_oav_system.py b/system_tests/test_oav_system.py
similarity index 100%
rename from tests/devices/system_tests/test_oav_system.py
rename to system_tests/test_oav_system.py
diff --git a/tests/devices/system_tests/test_oav_to_redis_system.py b/system_tests/test_oav_to_redis_system.py
similarity index 100%
rename from tests/devices/system_tests/test_oav_to_redis_system.py
rename to system_tests/test_oav_to_redis_system.py
diff --git a/tests/devices/system_tests/test_slit_gaps_system.py b/system_tests/test_slit_gaps_system.py
similarity index 100%
rename from tests/devices/system_tests/test_slit_gaps_system.py
rename to system_tests/test_slit_gaps_system.py
diff --git a/tests/devices/system_tests/test_smargon_system.py b/system_tests/test_smargon_system.py
similarity index 100%
rename from tests/devices/system_tests/test_smargon_system.py
rename to system_tests/test_smargon_system.py
diff --git a/tests/devices/system_tests/test_synchrotron_system.py b/system_tests/test_synchrotron_system.py
similarity index 100%
rename from tests/devices/system_tests/test_synchrotron_system.py
rename to system_tests/test_synchrotron_system.py
diff --git a/tests/devices/system_tests/test_undulator_system.py b/system_tests/test_undulator_system.py
similarity index 100%
rename from tests/devices/system_tests/test_undulator_system.py
rename to system_tests/test_undulator_system.py
diff --git a/tests/devices/system_tests/test_zebra_system.py b/system_tests/test_zebra_system.py
similarity index 100%
rename from tests/devices/system_tests/test_zebra_system.py
rename to system_tests/test_zebra_system.py
diff --git a/tests/devices/system_tests/test_zocalo_results.py b/system_tests/test_zocalo_results.py
similarity index 100%
rename from tests/devices/system_tests/test_zocalo_results.py
rename to system_tests/test_zocalo_results.py