Thousands of pupils across the UK will be unable to attend school or will be sent home early this week as hundreds of schools implement full or partial closures due to extreme heat. A heat dome settling over western Europe is forecast to bring temperatures of up to 40C by Wednesday, with this heatwave expected to surpass the June record set in Hampshire in 1976.
Regional impact of school closures
According to council data, approximately 100 schools in Somerset will be at least partly closed over the next three days, with a similar number in Buckinghamshire, 90 in Oxfordshire, and more than 80 in Gloucestershire. In Hampshire, around 35 schools will be shut or operating on reduced hours, while about 30 schools in the east London boroughs of Hackney and Barking and Dagenham are affected, along with more than 20 in Worcestershire.
Reasons behind closures
Many schools have explicitly cited red weather warnings and extreme heat as the reason for closures, with some explaining that classrooms lack air conditioning and that travel to and from school could be risky in high temperatures. The Extend Learning Academies Network, which runs nine primary schools across north Somerset, said in a letter to parents that schools will be closed all day on Wednesday and Thursday “due to the forecast severe heat”. The trust added: “The safety of our pupils, staff and families remains our top priority. We understand that these closures may cause inconvenience, but this decision has been made to ensure the well-being of everyone in our school community.”
Wessex Learning Trust, which runs 23 academies in the South West, announced on Instagram that schools will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday “to keep children, families and staff safe”. The trust said pupils will receive work during the closure period and families will be contacted about any trips, visits or events that may be affected. Wyvern College in Eastleigh, Hampshire, which will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday, said its leavers’ assembly and prom will take place with adjustments for heat.
Union and government responses
Stacey Booth, GMB national officer, said: “No pupil or member of staff should be expected to learn or work in unsafe levels of heat. Once temperatures exceed 30C, schools should act quickly, use the cooler parts of the building, reduce physical demands, increase water breaks and make sensible adjustments to uniform and duties.” School leaders’ union NAHT and teachers’ union NASUWT have called for school buildings to be modernised and a legally enforceable maximum classroom temperature to be set.
The Department for Education said it does not normally advise schools to close during hot weather because attendance is “the best way for pupils to learn and reach their potential”. However, it urged schools to ensure they take “any steps necessary to make sure children are safe and comfortable”, as outlined in guidance on keeping pupils safe.
List of affected schools
Hundreds of schools across multiple counties have announced closures or early dismissals. In London, schools such as Sydenham School (Lewisham), Fielding Primary School and Nursery (Ealing), Cheam High School (Sutton), and Archbishop Tenison’s Church of England High School (Croydon) are among those affected. In Bristol, more than 20 schools including Ashton Gate Primary School, Badminton School, and Cotham School will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday. In Hampshire, schools like Crestwood Community School, Swanmore College, and Wyvern College have early closures or full closures. Similar actions are being taken in Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Somerset, and parts of Wales, including schools such as Llanwern High School and Cardiff High School.
Many schools have offered provision for students who cannot work at home or whose parents cannot collect them early. The situation continues to evolve as the heatwave peaks midweek.
