The United Kingdom is bracing for a heatwave this week, with temperatures expected to reach 38°C in some areas. Despite the extreme heat, schools are not expected to close, according to current government guidance.
Met Office Issues Amber Heat Warning
The Met Office has issued an extreme amber heat warning covering Monday, 22 June through Thursday, 25 June, with Monday and Tuesday forecast to peak at 38°C. The UK Health Security Agency has also issued separate amber heat health alerts for most of England from Monday morning to Friday night.
These alerts urge people to stay hydrated and avoid sun exposure, but pupils and teachers in crowded classrooms have limited control over their environment. Schools are preparing for the heat, with educators working to prevent heat exhaustion and fainting, which have been reported in previous heatwaves.
Why Hot Classrooms Are a Problem
Teachers, unions, and parents have raised concerns about classroom temperatures during increasingly hot summers. High temperatures make concentration difficult, especially for pupils with special educational needs. Teachers also struggle to teach in such conditions.
One deputy head of a London secondary school, known as 'Daniel', told the i newspaper: “During the hottest days, teachers can barely teach, let alone students learn. My staff say it's really hard to function properly.”
Will Schools Close?
No formal school closures have been declared for this heatwave. However, pressure is mounting on the government to establish regulations allowing closures when temperatures reach dangerously high levels. The Climate Change Committee (CCC) and the Trades Union Congress (TUC) have endorsed demands for a maximum temperature threshold in classrooms.
The Department for Education (DfE) has confirmed it is “carefully considering” the proposals. Current DfE guidance says schools should remain open during hot weather, as regular attendance offers the best opportunity for pupils to learn. Following a previous heatwave, teaching unions revived calls for a statutory maximum classroom temperature. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson acknowledged the difficulties extreme heat poses for teachers and pupils but did not rule out future changes.
How Schools Are Keeping Cool
Many schools have implemented precautionary measures. Pupils are advised to bring refillable water bottles and drink regularly. Schools also remind students to bring hats for outdoor time and apply sunscreen before school.
One school in Wiltshire has relaxed its uniform policy, allowing pupils to wear standard uniform without a jumper and tie, or opt for their PE kit. Whitchurch High School told WalesOnline it is putting “sensible arrangements in place to help students remain safe and comfortable.”
