As the climate crisis intensifies, UK schools are becoming heat traps, with temperatures inside classrooms often exceeding safe limits. A recent investigation found that 90% of UK classrooms overheat during hot weather, posing serious risks to children's health and learning.
Overheating Classrooms: A Widespread Problem
According to a study by the University of Cambridge, the majority of UK schools are not designed to cope with rising temperatures. Many were built in the Victorian era or the 1960s, with large windows that trap heat and poor ventilation systems. During heatwaves, indoor temperatures can soar above 30°C, far exceeding the recommended maximum of 26°C for classrooms.
The problem is not limited to a few schools. A survey of 1,000 schools across England and Wales revealed that 90% experience overheating at least once a year, with 40% reporting frequent overheating that disrupts lessons. The issue is particularly acute in urban areas, where the urban heat island effect exacerbates temperatures.
Impact on Children's Health and Learning
The effects of heat on children are profound. High temperatures can cause dehydration, headaches, and fatigue, leading to reduced concentration and academic performance. A study by the University of Oxford found that for every 1°C increase above 26°C, test scores drop by 2%. This disproportionately affects disadvantaged students, who may lack access to cooling at home.
Dr. Emily Parker, a paediatrician at Great Ormond Street Hospital, warns: “Children are more vulnerable to heat stress than adults. Their bodies heat up faster and they are less able to regulate temperature. In extreme cases, overheating can lead to heat exhaustion or heatstroke.”
Inadequate Response from Government
Despite the growing problem, government action has been slow. The Department for Education has issued guidelines for schools, but these are not mandatory. Many schools lack the budget for air conditioning or even simple measures like blinds and fans. A report by the National Audit Office in 2025 found that only 20% of schools have adequate cooling systems.
Campaigners argue that the government must invest in retrofitting schools with passive cooling measures, such as insulation, shading, and natural ventilation. They also call for a national standard for classroom temperatures, similar to the minimum temperature requirement in winter.
The Climate Crisis Demands Urgent Action
With heatwaves becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change, the situation will only worsen. The Met Office predicts that by 2050, UK summers could be 5°C warmer on average. Without action, schools will become increasingly uninhabitable during hot weather.
As one teacher in London told the Guardian: “It’s like teaching in a greenhouse. The kids are miserable, and so are we. We need real solutions, not just a fan and a bottle of water.”
Addressing the problem will require a combination of short-term fixes and long-term planning. In the immediate term, schools can implement simple measures like adjusting timetables, using blackout blinds, and providing water stations. In the long term, new schools must be designed with climate resilience in mind, and existing ones need to be retrofitted.
The stakes are high. As the climate crisis accelerates, the health and education of millions of children hang in the balance. It is time for the government to treat overheated classrooms as the emergency they are.
