Eighteen schools across the UK will either finish early on Friday, June 9, or remain closed altogether as the country endures its third heatwave of the year, with temperatures forecast to reach 36C in some areas.
Amber heat warnings and school closures
Amber heat health warnings have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for the East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, South East, South West, Yorkshire and the Humber, and the North West. The Met Office indicated that the warmest conditions are expected on Thursday and Friday, with parts of England possibly hitting 35C or 36C.
Last month, hundreds of schools were forced to close during an unprecedented June heatwave, and a similar situation is now unfolding. In Wales, four schools in Powys and Swansea are closing early.
Wales school closures
Llanfechain C. in W. School near the Llanymynech border will shut early on both Thursday and Friday. A statement on the school's website explained: "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."
Other Welsh schools closing early include Berriew CP School, Buttington/Trewern C.P. School, and Ynystawe Primary School.
England school closures
Chawson Community First School in Droitwich, Worcestershire, will be closed entirely due to "extreme heat" within the building. The Dorcan Academy in Swindon will close at 1pm on Friday, with all detentions cancelled for the rest of the week. 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."
Other schools closing early include Jennett's Park CE Primary School in Bracknell, Blackmarston School in Herefordshire, Stormont House School in Hackney, Haberdashers' Abraham Darby in Shropshire (Years 7–9 not attending on Friday), The Bridge School in Shropshire, Hednesford Valley High School in Staffordshire, Offmore Primary School, St Anne’s CE Primary School, Unity Academy (closes at 12:00 pm), Holyoakes Field First School in Redditch (closes at 12:30 pm), The Beacon Primary PRU in Redditch (closes at 12:30 pm), and The Bewdley School in Bewdley (compressed timetable, finishes at 1:00 pm).
