Forty-one schools across England have closed or partially closed as the Met Office issued a rare red weather warning for extreme heat, with temperatures forecast to reach 40C in parts of England and Wales. The red warning, the highest severity level, covers areas from London to Swansea and Somerset to Birmingham and is valid from 9am Wednesday until 9pm Thursday.
Widespread School Closures
Schools in South East England, South West England, London, East Midlands and the East of England have confirmed closures. Some schools have moved lessons online, while others are operating morning-only schedules. Examples include Pewsey Vale School, Dilton Marsh Primary and Malmesbury School in Wiltshire; Ditton Park Academy in Slough; The Bulmershe School in Reading; Cheam High School in Surrey; and Sydenham School in London.
The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) has written to all members offering guidance. Paul Whiteman, NAHT general secretary, said: "While there is no legal 'upper limit' for temperature in schools, (school leaders) will certainly be doing all they can to mitigate the effects of such high temperatures."
Health Risks and Government Advice
According to the government website, children are at higher risk of heat-related illnesses than adults. Schools are not typically advised to close but may relax uniform policies. However, with temperatures expected to approach the UK record of 40.3C set in July 2022, exceptional conditions have prompted closures.
The Met Office warned of "severe and significant impacts" with extensive health risks, potentially life-threatening for many, not just those normally vulnerable.
Full List of Closed Schools
- Sydenham School, London
- Cranbourne School, Basingstoke
- Eggar’s School, Alton
- Grateley Primary School, Grateley
- Swanmore College, Swanmore
- Creswood Community School, Eastleigh
- Harrow Way Community School, Andover
- The Bulmershe School, Reading
- Cheam High School, Surrey
- The Hurst School, Tadley
- Reading School, Reading
- King’s Academy Prospect, Reading
- St. Crispins, Wokingham
- The Willows Primary School, Newbury
- Churchend Primary School, Reading
- Ditton Park Academy, Slough
- Silverwood School, Wiltshire
- Wren Academy, Enfield
- Kingdown School, Warminster
- Clarendon Academy, Trowbridge
- Pewsey Vale School, Pewsey
- Dilton Marsh Primary, Westbury
- Kingsholm Primary, Gloucester
- St Michael’s School, Larkhill
- Isebrook School, Kettering
- Woodland Middle School Academy, Flitwick (year 7 and 8 only)
- The Dorcan Academy, Swindon
- St John’s Marlborough School, Marlborough
- Malmesbury School, Wiltshire
- Finlay Community School, Gloucester
- Archway School, Stroud
- New Close School, Warminster
- St Michael's Academy, Somerset
- Piggot C of E School, Wargrave
- Radstock Primary School, Earley
- Maiden Erlegh School, Reading
- Willow Bank Infant School, Woodley
- South Lake Primary School, Woodley
- River Academy, Reading
- Katesgrove Primary School, Reading
- Beechwood Primary School, Woodley
Wider Impacts
Beyond schools, the heatwave is expected to disrupt transport and strain the healthcare system. The Met Office red warning remains in place until Thursday evening.
