Forty-one schools across the UK have cancelled their sports days as a third heatwave of the summer is forecast to bring temperatures of up to 34°C. The Department for Education (DfE) issued guidance on Friday advising schools that they could reschedule “physical activity”, including sports days, during hot weather.
Schools Take Precautions
Several schools have already postponed or cancelled their sports day events, which traditionally take place towards the end of the summer term. Halfway Houses Primary School in Sheerness, Kent, wrote to parents confirming the postponement of its planned sports day due to the hot weather. St Augustine’s Academy in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, also announced the cancellation of its sports day, informing parents that the event could not be rearranged before the end of the school year because of calendar constraints.
St Michael’s CE Primary School in Bournemouth opted to cancel its sports day scheduled for this week, citing a lack of shaded areas on its site. The school stated that “safety and wellbeing of our pupils, staff and families must always come first.” St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School in Leamington Spa also announced the cancellation of its sports day on July 6 owing to the hot weather.
Weather Forecast
The Met Office forecast for Monday, July 6, indicates rain across northern and northwestern Scotland, easing through the morning, with cloudy conditions and patchy drizzle in Northern Ireland and northern England. Dry elsewhere with sunny spells and breezy conditions, with temperatures near normal in the north but very warm in the south. Breezy in the north with occasional rain, heaviest in northwest Scotland. Low cloud and hill fog redevelop across southwest Britain and western areas, while elsewhere fine and dry with clear spells.
Looking ahead to Tuesday, July 7, further rain or showers are expected in northern areas, though generally less heavy. Cloudy in Northern Ireland and northwest England with patchy drizzle, but elsewhere dry and sunny, feeling very warm to hot. The outlook for Wednesday to Friday, July 8 to 10, shows cloudy and rain starting to clear across the north, with some outbreaks across western Scotland, but fine and dry elsewhere with plenty of sunny spells and staying hot in the south.
Impact on Schools and Families
The cancellations affect pupils, parents, and school staff who had prepared for the annual events. Schools are encouraged to follow DfE guidance to ensure the safety of children during extreme heat, including avoiding strenuous activity, providing shade, and ensuring hydration. With temperatures expected to reach 34°C, many schools are opting to err on the side of caution.
