The United Kingdom is bracing for a scorching week, with the latest heatwave expected to see temperatures approach 40°C. An extreme amber heat warning has been issued by the Met Office from Monday, June 22, until Thursday, June 25, with temperatures on Monday and Tuesday forecast to peak at 38°C. Separate amber heat health alerts from the UK Health Security Agency cover most of England, including Greater Manchester, from Monday morning until Friday night.
Why Hot Weather Poses a Challenge in Schools
Teachers, unions, schools, and parents have voiced serious concerns over rising classroom temperatures during the UK's increasingly sweltering summers. Soaring temperatures can make concentration difficult, and pupils with special educational needs or other conditions may find it particularly challenging. Teachers are equally affected, battling the same conditions while trying to educate distracted children. One deputy head of a London secondary school told the i newspaper: "During the hottest days, teachers can barely teach, let alone students learn. My staff say it's really hard to function properly."
Will Schools Be Forced to Close?
No formal school closures have been declared during June's heatwave, but pressure is mounting on the government to establish regulations allowing closures when temperatures reach dangerously high levels. The Climate Change Committee (CCC) and the Trades Union Congress (TUC) have supported demands for a maximum temperature threshold in classrooms. The Department for Education (DfE) has confirmed it is "carefully considering" these proposals. Existing DfE guidance states that schools should stay open during hot weather, maintaining that regular attendance provides pupils with the optimal opportunity to learn. Following a previous heatwave earlier this year, teaching unions reiterated demands for a statutory maximum classroom temperature. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson stopped short of ruling out the possibility when pressed in June, but recognised the difficulties created by elevated temperatures, stating that extreme heat can create challenging conditions for teachers and staff and may impact children's capacity to learn.
Measures Schools Can Take
Several schools have implemented precautionary measures. Pupils are advised to bring refillable water bottles for regular hydration. Schools are also urging students to bring hats for outdoor wear and apply sunscreen before departing for school. One school in Wiltshire has relaxed its uniform policy, allowing pupils to wear standard uniform without jumpers and ties, or opt for their PE kit. Whitchurch High School told WalesOnline it has "sensible arrangements in place to help students remain safe and comfortable."
