Red Warning Triggers Widespread School Closures
Thousands of pupils across England and Wales will not attend school after the Met Office issued a rare red weather warning for extreme heat, with temperatures expected to reach up to 40C in some areas. Dozens of schools have confirmed closures, and many others have shifted to online learning or reduced hours.
The Met Office warning covers a swath from London to Swansea and Somerset to Birmingham, in effect from 9am Wednesday to 9pm Thursday. This is the most serious alert level, indicating severe and significant impacts, including widespread health risks and potentially life-threatening conditions for the general population, not just vulnerable groups.
School Closures by Region
Schools in South East England, South West England, London, the East Midlands, and the East of England have announced closures. The list includes Sydenham School in London, Cranbourne School in Basingstoke, Eggar's School in Alton, Grateley Primary School, Swanmore College, and many more across Wiltshire, Berkshire, Surrey, and other counties.
Some schools, such as 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, will operate only in the morning and close at lunchtime on the affected days.
NAHT Guidance and Legal Context
The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) has contacted all its members with advice on managing the heatwave, covering effects on pupils and staff, legal obligations, and circumstances for considering 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."
According to the government website, children face greater risks of developing heat-related illnesses compared to adults. Schools are not typically recommended to close, but they may consider easing uniform policies during hot weather to keep pupils comfortable. However, with temperatures approaching the UK's record high of 40.3C recorded in July 2022, extraordinary conditions have prompted some schools to shut their doors.
Online Learning and Transport Disruption
For some pupils, closures do not mean a holiday from education, as lessons have moved online. Beyond schools, the scorching temperatures are expected to cause transport disruption and severely affect the healthcare system. The Met Office has warned of widespread impacts on travel, infrastructure, and health services.
Full List of Schools Confirmed Closed
- 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 (only for year 7 and 8)
- 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
