Schools across the nation will remain closed today or dismiss pupils early as the UK battles its third scorching heatwave of the year. Last month, hundreds of schools were forced to shut following an exceptional June heatwave that swept across the country. Now, a comparable situation appears to be unfolding once again.
Met Office Amber Heat Health Warnings
The Met Office suggests the most severe conditions are expected on Thursday and Friday, when certain parts of England could reach 35C or 36C. Amber heat health warnings 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.
At present, 18 UK schools will either close early today, or remain shut entirely, with detentions even cancelled for some students.
School Closures and Early Finishes
Chawson Community First School in Droitwich, Worcestershire, will be closing its doors completely due to "extreme heat" inside the building. Meanwhile, Dorcan Academy in Swindon will wrap up 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 similarly been scrapped.
The Bridge School in Telford has confirmed an early finish for Thursday and Friday. Additionally, three schools in Powys will be closing ahead of their usual time. Llanfechain C. in W. School near the Llanymynech border is scheduled to close 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."
Complete List of School Closures or Early Closures on Friday
England
- Berkshire: Jennett's Park CE Primary School (Bracknell) – finishing early.
- Herefordshire: Blackmarston School – finishing early.
- London: Stormont House School (Hackney) – finishing early.
- Shropshire: Haberdashers' Abraham Darby – Years 7–9 not attending on Friday; The Bridge School – finishing early.
- Staffordshire: Hednesford Valley High School – finishing early.
- Swindon: The Dorcan Academy – finishing early; detentions cancelled.
- Worcestershire: 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 – finishing early; Llanfechain C. in W. School – shutting early.
- Swansea: Ynystawe Primary School – closing early.
