Numerous schools across the UK will close early or remain shut on Friday, July 10, as the country endures its third scorching heatwave of the year. The Met Office forecasts temperatures reaching 35C or 36C in parts of England, triggering amber heat health alerts for multiple regions.
Amber heat health alerts issued
The Met Office says the hottest conditions are expected today and Friday, with some locations in England potentially hitting 36C. Amber heat health alerts 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. Last month, hundreds of schools were forced to close during a historic June heatwave, and a similar situation is now unfolding.
School closures and early finishes
At least 16 UK schools have confirmed they will either close entirely or finish early on Friday. Detentions have also been axed at some schools. Chawson Community First School in Droitwich, Worcestershire, will be closed all day due to “extreme heat” in the building. Dorcan Academy in Swindon will close at 1pm, 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."
The Bridge School in Telford announced an early finish for both Thursday and Friday. Three schools in Powys, Wales, will close early on Friday: Llanfechain C. in W. School near the Llanymynech border will shut 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."
Full list of school closures or early closures on Friday
England
- Berkshire: Jennett's Park CE Primary School (Bracknell) – closing early.
- Herefordshire: Blackmarston School – closing early.
- London: Stormont House School (Hackney) – closing early.
- Shropshire: Haberdashers' Abraham Darby – Years 7–9 not attending on Friday; The Bridge School – closing early.
- Staffordshire: Hednesford Valley High School – closing early.
- Swindon: The Dorcan Academy – closing early; detentions cancelled.
- Worcestershire: Chawson Community First School (Droitwich) – closed all day due to extreme heat; 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 – closing early; Llanfechain C. in W. School – closing early.
- Swansea: Ynystawe Primary School – closing early.
Parents and guardians are advised to check with their child's school for specific arrangements as the heatwave continues.
