Dozens of schools across England and Wales have been forced to close amid rare red weather warnings for extreme heat, with temperatures expected to hit record highs for June, the Met Office has said. The red warning, the most severe level, covers an area from London to Swansea and Somerset to Birmingham from 9am on Wednesday to 9pm on Thursday.
Why Schools Are Closing
The Met Office warned of “severe and significant impacts” including widespread health risks and even danger to life, not just for vulnerable groups. Children are more at risk of heat-related illness than adults, according to the government website. Although schools are not normally advised to close, the exceptional circumstances—temperatures nearing the UK all-time high of 40.3°C recorded in July 2022—have led many to shut their doors or finish early.
Guidance and Reactions
The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) has written to members with guidance on dealing with the heat, including legal positions and when to consider closure. 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.” Some schools have moved teaching online, while others will run morning sessions only and finish at lunchtime.
Full List of Schools Confirming Closures
- 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
Broader Impact
Beyond schools, the extreme heat is expected to cause travel chaos and place significant strain on the healthcare sector. The Met Office has urged people to take precautions and stay hydrated.
