Schools across the Midlands and the rest of the UK are closing early or shutting entirely as the country faces its third heatwave of the year, with temperatures expected to reach 36C in some areas.
Heatwave Forces School Closures
Numerous schools throughout the nation will remain shut today or finish early as the UK confronts another blistering heatwave. Last month, hundreds of schools were compelled to close following an unprecedented June heatwave. Now, a similar situation is developing once more.
The Met Office indicates the most extreme conditions are anticipated Thursday and Friday, when certain areas in England could hit 35C or 36C. Amber heat health alerts have been issued for the East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, South East, South West, Yorkshire and the Humber, and the North West.
List of Affected Schools
Currently, 18 UK schools will either finish early today, June 9, or remain closed entirely, with detentions even scrapped for some students. Chawson Community First School in Droitwich, Worcestershire, will be shutting completely due to extreme heat within the building. Meanwhile, Dorcan Academy in Swindon will finish at 1pm.
A school spokesperson said: 'Following careful monitoring of weather forecasts and guidance from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the school has taken the decision to introduce temporary adjustments to the school day in response to forecast high temperatures later this week. As a precautionary measure, all detentions have been cancelled for the remainder of the week, and the school will close at 1.00pm on Friday, when temperatures are expected to be at their highest.' All detentions at the school for the remainder of this week have also been cancelled.
Regional Breakdown
The Bridge School in Telford has announced an early finish for Thursday and Friday. Additionally, three schools in Powys, Wales, will close early. Llanfechain C. in W. School near the Llanymynech border is to shut early on both Thursday and Friday. A statement on the school's website reads: 'During last week's hot weather, classroom temperatures became extremely uncomfortable, particularly during the afternoon. As we have no air conditioning to help reduce indoor temperatures, we believe this is the most appropriate decision to safeguard the wellbeing of our pupils and staff.'
Full List of School Closures or Early Closures on Friday
England
- Berkshire: Jennett's Park CE Primary School (Bracknell) – closing early.
- Herefordshire: Blackmarston School – closing early.
- London: Stormont House School (Hackney) – closing early.
- Shropshire: Haberdashers' Abraham Darby – Years 7–9 not attending on Friday; The Bridge School – closing early.
- Staffordshire: Hednesford Valley High School – closing early.
- Swindon: The Dorcan Academy – closing early; detentions cancelled.
- Worcestershire: Chawson Community First School (Droitwich) – closed all day due to extreme heat in the building; Offmore Primary School; St Anne’s CE Primary School; Unity Academy – closes at 12:00 pm; Holyoakes Field First School (Redditch) – closes at 12:30 pm; The Beacon Primary PRU (Redditch) – closes at 12:30 pm; The Bewdley School (Bewdley) – compressed timetable; finishes at 1:00 pm.
Wales
- Powys: Berriew CP School – closing early; Buttington/Trewern C.P. School – closing early; Llanfechain C. in W. School – closing early.
- Swansea: Ynystawe Primary School – closing early.
