A rare red weather warning for extreme heat from the Met Office has forced dozens of schools across England and Wales to close, as temperatures are forecast to approach 40C, potentially breaking June records.
Weather specialists predict the mercury could climb to 40C across parts of England and Wales during midweek, according to the Met Office. The red warning for exceptional heat stretches from London to Swansea and Somerset to Birmingham, valid from 9am on Wednesday until 9pm on Thursday.
Severe Warning and Health Risks
This is the most severe level of warning the Met Office can issue, with forecasters expecting "severe and significant impacts" including widespread health risks for many people, not just those usually vulnerable to heat, with potentially life-threatening conditions.
Schools across South East England, South West England, London, East Midlands and the East of England have confirmed closures. The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) has contacted all its members offering guidance on handling the heatwave, addressing implications for pupils and staff, legal responsibilities and situations where closure might be justified.
Paul Whiteman, NAHT general secretary, said: "While there is no legal 'upper limit' for temperature in schools, (school leaders) will certainly be doing all they can to mitigate the effects of such high temperatures."
Government Guidance and School Responses
According to the government website, children face a heightened risk of heat-related illnesses compared to adults. Schools aren't typically advised to close, though they may consider relaxing uniform policies during periods of extreme heat to keep pupils comfortable. However, with temperatures predicted to reach near the UK's record high of 40.3C set in July 2022, exceptional circumstances have led some schools to choose closure.
For some pupils, this doesn't automatically mean a break from learning, as all lessons have moved to online formats. Other schools will run during morning periods but finish at lunchtime over the next few days. These include Pewsey Vale School, Dilton Marsh Primary and Malmesbury School in Wiltshire, Ditton Park Academy in Slough, Berkshire, The Bulmershe School in Reading, Berkshire, Cheam High School in Surrey and Sydenham School in London.
Broader Impact and Full List of Closed Schools
Beyond educational institutions, the sweltering temperatures are expected to trigger travel disruption and put significant strain on the healthcare system.
Full list of schools that have confirmed closures:
- Sydenham School, London
- Cranbourne School, Basingstoke
- Eggar’s School, Alton
- Grateley Primary School, Grateley
- Swanmore College, Swanmore
- Creswood Community School, Eastleigh
- Harrow Way Community School, Andover
- The Bulmershe School, Reading
- Cheam High School, Surrey
- The Hurst School, Tadley
- Reading School, Reading
- King’s Academy Prospect, Reading
- St. Crispins, Wokingham
- The Willows Primary School, Newbury
- Churchend Primary School, Reading
- Ditton Park Academy, Slough
- Silverwood School, Wiltshire
- Wren Academy, Enfield
- Kingdown School, Warminster
- Clarendon Academy, Trowbridge
- Pewsey Vale School, Pewsey
- Dilton Marsh Primary, Westbury
- Kingsholm Primary, Gloucester
- St Michael’s School, Larkhill
- Isebrook School, Kettering
- Woodland Middle School Academy, Flitwick (only for year 7 and 8)
- The Dorcan Academy, Swindon
- St John’s Marlborough School, Marlborough
- Malmesbury School, Wiltshire
- Finlay Community School, Gloucester
- Archway School, Stroud
- New Close School, Warminster
- St Michael's Academy, Somerset
- Piggot C of E School, Wargrave
- Radstock Primary School, Earley
- Maiden Erlegh School, Reading
- Willow Bank Infant School, Woodley
- South Lake Primary School, Woodley
- River Academy, Reading
- Katesgrove Primary School, Reading
- Beechwood Primary School, Woodley
