The Met Office has issued a red weather warning for extreme heat, prompting 83 schools across England to close their doors as temperatures are expected to reach up to 40C in parts of England and Wales. The warning, in effect from 9am on Wednesday to 9pm on Thursday, covers a vast area stretching from London to Swansea and Somerset to Birmingham.
Severe Impact and Health Risks
According to the Met Office, the red warning represents the most severe level of alert, with conditions expected to bring "severe and significant impacts." These include widespread health risks for the general population, not just those who are ordinarily more vulnerable to heat, and even danger to life. The UK's record high of 40.3C, recorded in July 2022, could be approached or broken.
Schools Affected Across Multiple Regions
Schools in South East England, South West England, London, the East Midlands, and the East of England have confirmed closures. The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) has written to all its members with guidance on managing the soaring temperatures, covering effects on pupils and staff, legal considerations, 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."
According to the Government website, children face a greater risk of developing heat-related illnesses than adults. While it is not typically recommended that schools shut their doors, they may consider easing uniform policies during hot weather. However, given the exceptional circumstances, some schools have opted to close. For certain pupils, lessons have been moved online; other schools will operate during morning hours but finish at lunchtime for the coming days.
List of Schools Confirmed Closed
The following schools have confirmed 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 (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; Gerrards Cross CofE School; Hughenden Primary School; Princes Risborough Primary School; Ley Hill School; Farnham Common Infant School; Chalfonts Community College; Denham Village School; Haydon Abbey School and Pre-School; Dropmore Infant School; Kingsbrook View Academy; Iver Heath Junior School; Misbourne School; The Iver Heath Infant School and Nursery; Farnham Common Junior School; Overstone Combined School; Marsworth Church of England Infant School; Brookmead School; Bourton Meadow Academy; The Steeple Claydon School; Buckinghamshire Primary Pupil Referral Unit; Bierton Church of England Combined School; Turnfurlong Infant School; Great Kingshill Church of England Combined School; Great Kimble Church of England School; Aylesbury Vale Academy; Weston Turville Church of England School; Disraeli School and Children's Centre; Iver Village Junior School; St Mary's Farnham Royal CofE Primary School; Green Ridge Primary Academy; Orchard View Primary Academy; Ivingswood Academy; Chepping View Primary Academy; Kite Ridge School; Chalfont Valley E-ACT Primary Academy; Waddesdon Village Primary School; Wooburn Green Primary School; Quainton Church of England School; Oakridge School; Denham Green E-Act Primary Academy; Waterside Primary Academy; Waddesdon Church of England School.
Wider Disruption Expected
Beyond schools, the extreme heat is anticipated to cause travel disruption and place considerable strain on the healthcare system. Power cuts have already been reported in Bristol, Birmingham, and London as thunderstorms spark chaos during the heatwave.
