Dozens of schools across the West Midlands and Black Country remained closed on Tuesday as the region baked in extreme heat, with temperatures exceeding 30°C. The closures affected thousands of pupils and parents scrambling for alternative arrangements.
Schools in Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall, and other areas announced closures on Monday evening or early Tuesday morning, citing safety concerns for students and staff in the unairconditioned buildings.
List of Schools Closed
Among the schools that confirmed closures were: King Edward VI Handsworth Wood Girls' Academy, Handsworth Grammar School, and Broadway Academy in Birmingham. In the Black Country, Highfields School in Wolverhampton, St Michael's CE High School in Rowley Regis, and The ACE Academy in Dudley were shut.
Parents were advised to check their school's website or social media channels for updates, as some schools remained open but with reduced activities or early finishes.
Impact on Families
The sudden closures caused disruption for many working parents who had to arrange last-minute childcare. Local authorities urged employers to be flexible with staff who needed to stay home with children.
According to Birmingham City Council, the decision to close was made by individual schools based on their facilities and risk assessments. The council said: "We understand the inconvenience this causes, but the safety of children and staff is our top priority."
Advice for Parents
Health officials advised keeping children hydrated and cool, and to avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours. The UK Health Security Agency issued a Level 3 heat-health alert for the West Midlands, urging people to look out for vulnerable neighbours and relatives.
The heatwave is expected to ease later in the week, with temperatures forecast to drop to the mid-20s by Thursday.
