The United Kingdom is in the grip of an unprecedented heatwave, with temperatures set to soar close to 40C. In response, hundreds of schools across England and Wales are closing early or shutting completely to protect students and staff from the extreme conditions.
The Met Office has issued a rare red warning for extreme heat, covering large parts of the country from Wednesday until Thursday evening. This warning highlights the potential for severe health risks and danger to life, prompting schools to take decisive action.
Regions Under the Red Warning
The affected regions include the East MidlandsEast of EnglandLondonSouth East EnglandSouth West EnglandWales and the West Midlands. The Met Office forecasts an exceptional spell of hot and humid weather with temperatures potentially surpassing the June record of 35.6C set in Hampshire in 1976. The UK’s all-time high of 40.3C recorded in July 2026, is also within reach.
School Closures Across the UK
While there is no legal maximum temperature limit for classrooms, schools have the autonomy to close early if they deem it necessary for safety. In Somerset approximately 100 schools will be closed over the next three days, with the majority shutting completely on Wednesday and Thursday. Similar measures are being taken in Buckinghamshire and Gloucestershire where around 100 and 86 schools respectively will be at least partially closed.
In London several schools, including Sydenham SchoolLewisham Fielding Primary School and Nursery and Ealing Cheam High School have announced early closures or complete shutdowns. Meanwhile, in Bristol a significant number of schools, such as Air Balloon Hill Primary School and Ashton Gate Primary School will remain closed on Wednesday and Thursday.
Adapting to the Heat
Some schools are allowing students to wear PE kit instead of formal uniforms to help them cope with the heat. For instance, Falkland Primary School in Newbury and Sheldon School in Wiltshire have relaxed their dress codes to include loose, light-coloured clothing. The Department for Education has advised schools to take practical steps to protect pupils, such as increasing hydration, maximising ventilation, and avoiding strenuous physical activity.
Health Concerns and Safety Measures
The extreme heat poses significant health risks, particularly for children. Symptoms of heat stress include irritability, discomfort, and dehydration. Heat exhaustion can manifest as tiredness, dizziness, headache, nausea, and excessive sweating. If left untreated, heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke a medical emergency characterized by confusion, seizures, and a high body temperature.
To mitigate these risks, schools are encouraged to cool children suffering from heat exhaustion by moving them to a cool area, encouraging them to drink cool water, and using fans or cold packs. The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) has provided guidance to its members, emphasizing the importance of mitigating the effects of high temperatures.
The Trades Union Congress has campaigned for a legal maximum working temperature, while the National Education Union advocates for a maximum indoor working temperature of 26C. Despite these calls, the Department for Education maintains that schools are not normally expected to close during hot weather, as attendance is crucial for pupils’ learning and development.
As the heatwave continues, communities across the UK are adapting to the extreme conditions. Schools are taking proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of their students, while health authorities are issuing warnings and advice to the public. The unprecedented temperatures serve as a stark reminder of the need for preparedness and resilience in the face of climate change.
