More than 1,200 schools and nurseries across England and Wales face complete or partial closure on Thursday as the Met Office maintains a rare red warning for extreme heat, with temperatures expected to surpass 40°C. The warning covers an area from London and the south coast to Swansea, Somerset, and Birmingham, and remains in force until late Thursday. Meteorologists caution that mercury levels could climb even higher, with the forecaster stating that “significant disruption to daily life is likely.”
Schools Close as Buildings Overheat
Many schools announced closures in advance, as school buildings are not designed to cope with such intense heat. At least 1,200 schools and nurseries will be closed or partially closed on Thursday, with many remaining shut on Friday. Some schools have allowed students to wear PE kit instead of full uniform, and many are requesting that children be collected at lunchtime. Working parents are eligible for up to four weeks of unpaid parental leave annually, which may be used in cases of unexpected school closures.
The Met Office warned that the exceptional heat will push northwards on Thursday, with “an even hotter day ahead for some with amber and red extreme heat warnings in force.” The red warning is the highest level, indicating a danger to life.
Regional Breakdown of Closures
Schools across multiple counties and regions are affected, including Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Birmingham, Bristol, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Cornwall, Devon, Essex, Gloucestershire, Greater London, Hampshire, Herefordshire, Kent, Manchester, Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire, Somerset, Southampton, Sussex, Swindon, Wiltshire, Worcestershire, Yorkshire, and all areas of Wales. A full list of affected schools has been published, with closures ranging from individual primary schools to entire secondary schools and colleges.
In London, schools such as All Saints Benhilton Primary, Archbishop Tenison’s Church of England High School, and many others in boroughs like Hackney, Kensington and Chelsea, and Barking and Dagenham are closed. In Wales, schools across Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Merthyr Tydfil, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea, and Torfaen are affected.
Impact on Families and Students
The widespread closures have left parents facing considerable disruption, with many schools requesting early pick-ups. Students at certain schools have been permitted to wear PE kit in place of their full school uniform, which typically includes long trousers and blazers. The Met Office has advised people to stay indoors during the hottest part of the day and to check on vulnerable relatives.
According to the Met Office, “significant disruption to daily life is likely” as the heatwave continues. The red warning is the first of its kind for extreme heat in the UK, highlighting the severity of the situation. Parents are advised to check their school’s website or local authority for updates.
