At least 13 schools across England and Wales have confirmed they will close early this week as the UK experiences its third heatwave of the year, with temperatures expected to reach 36C. The closures follow a record-breaking June that saw thousands of schools shut. Children in Powys, Swansea, Swindon, Shropshire, London, Worcestershire, Staffordshire, and Bracknell will be sent home at lunchtime on Thursday.
Schools Taking Precautions Against Extreme Heat
The Dorcan Academy in Swindon stated: "Following continued monitoring of weather forecasts and guidance from the UK Health Security Agency, we have made the decision to cancel all detentions for the remainder of this week." Chawson Community First School in Droitwich, Worcestershire, is closing entirely due to "extreme heat" within the building. Other schools, like Haberdashers Abraham in Shropshire, will close entirely on Friday for selected year groups.
Temperature Forecast and Expert Commentary
Temperatures are expected to peak on Thursday and Friday, with the Met Office predicting they will "widely exceed 30C" across the UK, and some areas in England could hit 36C. Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Tom Crabtree said: "Many people will understandably want to know how long the current heatwave is likely to last. While temperatures are expected to ease across southeast England through the weekend and into next week, it won't be a straightforward end to the warm weather." He added: "High pressure is expected to remain in charge through much of next week, but it will gradually migrate northwards. This means that an easterly wind will become established in the south, and the focus for the hottest conditions will migrate towards the southwest. As a result, some places that have seen the highest temperatures during recent weeks will begin to cool. It will however, remain very warm – especially in the southwest – and heatwave thresholds may continue to be met in places."
Full List of Schools Closing Early
Schools in England
- Berkshire: Jenett’s Park CE Primary School, Bracknell
- Herefordshire: Blackmarston School
- London: Stormont House School, Hackney
- Shropshire: Haberdashers Abraham (closed entirely on Friday for selected years), The Bridge School
- Staffordshire: Hednesford Valley High School
- Swindon: The Dorcan Academy
- Worcestershire: Beacon Primary PRU, Chawson Community First School (closed entirely), Holyoakes Field First School, The Bewdley School
Schools in Wales
- Powys: Berriew CP School, Buttington/Trewern C.P. School, Llanfechain C. in W. School
- Swansea: Ynystawe Primary School
