Schools across the United Kingdom are beginning to confirm closures for Wednesday, June 24, as the UK heatwave intensifies. The Met Office and UK Health Security Agency have issued rare red warnings for Wednesday and Thursday, with significant health and infrastructure impacts expected.
Red Warning Issued
The Met Office and UK Health Security Agency have issued rare red warnings for extreme heat on Wednesday and Thursday. BBC South's environment correspondent Jon Cuthill today warned that climate change means we will see more of these kinds of weather conditions. Schools up and down the country have announced they would close or finish early on several days this week to protect pupils amid the extreme heat.
White Horse Federation Closures
The White Horse Federation looks after 24 primary schools, four secondary schools, and two SEN schools that educate around 11,000 pupils across Wiltshire, Oxfordshire, and Berkshire. On Monday afternoon, a letter to parents and carers explained that though the schools will be fully open as normal on Tuesday, June 23, they will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday.
A spokesperson said: “This has not been an easy decision. We know that school closures create disruption for families, and we have taken this step only after careful consideration of the available guidance, the conditions in our school buildings, and the likely impact on pupils and staff.”
“Schools have already implemented a wide range of measures to manage the heat, including increasing ventilation, using shaded and cooler spaces, reducing physical activity, relaxing uniform expectations, increasing access to drinking water, and closely monitoring pupils who may be more vulnerable to heat-related illness.”
“However, given the severity of the Red Warning and the sustained high temperatures forecast, we do not believe that we can safely maintain normal school operations on these two days. We have also considered whether a partial closure or early finish would reduce the risk.”
“On balance, this would create additional safeguarding, supervision and transport challenges, and may increase the risk for pupils travelling during the hottest part of the day.”
Maiden Erlegh Trust Closures
All schools within the Maiden Erlegh Trust will also close this Wednesday and Thursday.
Sydenham School Early Closure
In London, Sydenham School, in Lewisham, is closing early at 12:25pm on Wednesday, June 24, and Thursday, June 25. A letter to parents from headteacher Emma Wijnberg said: "I am writing to inform you of some important changes to our school's schedule due to the extreme heat forecast this week."
"All students in Year 7, 8 and 9 will be dismissed at 12:15pm on these days. Students are expected to make their own travel arrangements to return home safely. Year 10 and Year 12 students will be dismissed after their Period 3 exams have finished. Year 10 parents will shortly receive a separate email about the rearrangements for afternoon exams this week."
"We will provide supervision for any students who are unable to leave at 12:15pm. If your child needs to remain in school after early closure, please contact us as soon as possible so we can make appropriate arrangements."
"The Battle of the Bands event, previously scheduled for Thursday 25th June, is now cancelled due to the extreme heat. It has been rescheduled to Wednesday 1st July, 6 - 8.30pm, all tickets previously purchased will be valid for this date."
Other Schools Closing
Simon Marks Jewish Primary School in Hackney is closing, with Wentworth nursery school in Hackney also shutting on June 23 and 24. Stoke Newington School and Sixth Form will be closed completely due to the hot weather on June 24 and 25.
