Heatwave in the UK: Why Are Hundreds of Schools Closing or Finishing Early?
The United Kingdom is currently experiencing an exceptional heatwave, with temperatures forecast to reach up to 40°C in some regions. In response, many schools have decided to close their doors completely or end classes earlier than usual. This situation has reignited the debate on pupil and staff safety in buildings that are often poorly equipped for extreme heat. Unlike in some other countries, there is no strict national regulation requiring schools to close beyond a specific temperature threshold. This article examines the current situation and the key factors behind these decisions.
Managing heatwaves in British schools relies on a case-by-case risk assessment, as there is currently no law setting a maximum temperature beyond which schools must close. The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) has repeatedly highlighted this legal gap, which gives school leaders and local authorities significant responsibility and flexibility.
Several key factors influence these decisions:
- Weather alerts: The Met Office has issued red warnings for “extreme heat” across many areas, especially in England and Wales, prompting hundreds of schools to take action.
- Building conditions: Many UK schools, often in older buildings, are designed to retain heat and lack effective air conditioning or ventilation, making classrooms uncomfortable or even dangerous during heatwaves.
- Health and wellbeing: School leaders prioritise preventing risks such as dehydration, heat exhaustion, dizziness, and heatstroke among pupils and staff.
The UK government, through the Department for Education (DfE) and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), advises schools to maintain attendance where possible while carrying out thorough risk assessments. As a result, many establishments have opted for full temporary closures or shortened school days, with some offering remote learning.
In this uncertain context:
- Check official sources: Decisions are made locally. Regularly consult your school’s website or your local council for the latest updates.
- Stay alert to communications: Timetables can change at short notice. Keep an eye on emails, texts, and school apps.
- Prepare your child: Even if school remains open, dress them in light clothing, provide a water bottle, and limit intense physical activity.
The current heatwave highlights the vulnerability of the UK’s school infrastructure to increasingly frequent extreme weather events. While local flexibility is essential to protect children’s health immediately, the lack of clear national guidelines and insufficient investment in modernising buildings (better ventilation, insulation, and cooling systems) places headteachers in a difficult position. In the long term, this issue is likely to become central to discussions on adapting the education system to climate change. In the meantime, parents and schools must remain vigilant and work together to ensure everyone’s wellbeing.