Extreme Heat Forces Widespread School Closures

Dozens of schools across England and Wales are set to close or shorten the school day as an exceptional heatwave brings temperatures that could reach 40°C, according to weather forecasts.

The Met Office has issued a rare red warning for extreme heat, covering a large area from London to Swansea and from Somerset to Birmingham. The warning will be in place from 9am on Wednesday until 9pm on Thursday.

Forecasters say a “heat dome” over western Europe is driving the unusually high temperatures. Alongside the intense heat, high humidity and very warm nights are expected, making it difficult for people to cool down and recover overnight.

Schools Announce Closures

Several schools have decided to close entirely or move to remote learning due to concerns about pupil and staff safety.

The Buckingham School in Buckinghamshire will shut on Wednesday and Thursday, with students expected to continue their studies online. In a statement, the school said its buildings cannot be cooled effectively and there is limited shade available outdoors. All trips and scheduled activities have also been cancelled.

Other schools taking similar action include:

• St John’s Marlborough in Wiltshire, which will close early on Tuesday and remain shut on Wednesday and Thursday before reopening on Friday.
• The Dorcan Academy in Swindon, where on-site lessons will end at 11:30am on Tuesday, followed by full closure on Wednesday and Thursday.
• Several schools in the London boroughs of Sutton and Haringey, which have also announced closures from Tuesday through Thursday.

Early Finishes for Many Pupils

While some schools will stay open, many are reducing hours to avoid the hottest parts of the day. Schools planning lunchtime closures include:

• Pewsey Vale School
• Dilton Marsh Primary School
• Malmesbury School
• Ditton Park Academy
• The Bulmershe School
• Cheam High School
• Sydenham School

Schools Receive Heatwave Guidance

The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) has circulated guidance to school leaders on managing the effects of extreme heat, including advice on protecting pupils and staff and assessing whether closures are necessary.

NAHT General Secretary Paul Whiteman noted that although there is no legal maximum temperature for schools, leaders will be taking every possible step to reduce the impact of the unusually hot conditions.

Health Warning Issued

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has also issued a red health alert for six regions of England: the West Midlands, East Midlands, South East, South West, London, and the East of England.

The warning, in effect from early Wednesday until late Thursday, signals a potential risk to life not only for vulnerable people but also for the wider population. Authorities have also warned of possible disruption to transport, energy supplies, water services, food distribution, and businesses as the heatwave intensifies.

With temperatures approaching levels rarely seen in the UK, officials are urging people to take precautions, stay hydrated, avoid unnecessary exposure to the sun, and check on vulnerable family members and neighbours.