Hundreds of schools across England and Wales are changing schedules, closing classrooms and sending pupils home early as one of the most significant June heatwaves in decades pushes temperatures toward 40°C.
The disruption comes as a rare red extreme heat warning remains in place across parts of England and Wales, with forecasters warning that temperatures could challenge the UK’s June record of 35.6°C set in 1976. Some weather models suggest a handful of locations could even approach the UK’s all-time record of 40.3°C recorded during the historic July 2022 heatwave.
For many families, the biggest concern is no longer the forecast itself but whether schools will remain open. Councils and school leaders across multiple regions have already announced closures, reduced hours and optional early collection arrangements as classroom temperatures continue to rise.
Hundreds of Schools Affected Across England and Wales
The scale of disruption is growing across some of the country’s most populated regions. Somerset Council data shows around 100 schools are affected over several days, with many schools fully closed on Wednesday and Thursday.
Buckinghamshire is facing a similar situation, with around 100 schools either closing early, shutting completely or allowing parents to collect children before normal finishing times.
Gloucestershire has reported 86 affected schools, while local authorities and academy trusts in Bristol, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, London and Wales have also announced widespread timetable changes.
Unlike weather-related closures caused by snow or flooding, the current disruption is being driven by concerns over indoor temperatures. In many cases, school buildings become significantly hotter than outdoor conditions during prolonged periods of extreme heat.
Which Schools Are Closing?
Schools affected by the heatwave include a mix of primary schools, secondary schools, academies, colleges and specialist education settings.
In London, schools named among those changing arrangements include Sydenham School in Lewisham, Fielding Primary School and Nursery in Ealing, Cheam High School, Oaks Park High School, Belmont Junior School, Archbishop Tenison’s Church of England High School and Wren Academy.
Bristol has announced one of the largest lists of affected schools, including Ashton Gate Primary School, Bishop Road Primary School, Bristol Cathedral Choir School, Cotham School, Easton Primary School, Fairfield High School, Orchard School and Redland Green School.
Hampshire schools reporting closures or reduced hours include Swanmore College, Testbourne Community School, John Hanson Community School, Peter Symonds College, Purbrook Park School, Wyvern College and The Costello School.
In Wales, disruption is affecting schools including Llanwern High School, Cardiff High School, Newport High School, Caerleon Lodge Hill Primary School and several Welsh-medium schools.
Many schools are operating different arrangements. Some have fully closed for one or more days, while others are ending lessons at midday or allowing optional pickup between 12pm and 1.30pm.
Why Schools Are Taking Action During the Heatwave
There is currently no legal maximum temperature for classrooms in England and Wales. However, schools are required to protect pupils and staff from health and safety risks.
That has become increasingly challenging during periods of extreme heat. Many school buildings were designed to retain warmth during colder months rather than remain cool during temperatures approaching 40°C.
Temporary classrooms, older buildings and rooms with limited ventilation can become particularly uncomfortable during heatwaves. Some schools have reported concerns about pupil concentration, dehydration and heat-related illness during previous periods of extreme weather.
To reduce risks, many schools are allowing pupils to wear PE kits instead of traditional uniforms, increasing access to drinking water and cancelling outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day.
How This Heatwave Compares With Previous UK Records
The current weather event is attracting attention because of both its intensity and timing. While the UK experienced temperatures above 40°C during July 2022, such conditions are unusual in June.
The Met Office has described the latest conditions as an exceptional spell of hot and humid weather affecting large parts of the country. Areas covered by the red warning include London and the South East, the East Midlands, the East of England, the South West, the West Midlands and parts of Wales.
The current heatwave follows a year of weather extremes across Britain, with recent UK weather warnings and flood alerts highlighting how rapidly changing conditions can affect communities, transport networks and public services.
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What Parents Need to Know
Parents are being advised to check school emails, text alerts and official websites before travelling each morning. A school that remains open one day may choose to shorten lessons or close on another day depending on classroom conditions.
Families should also be prepared for transport disruption as high temperatures can affect rail services and road infrastructure in some areas.
Children attending school during the heatwave should carry water bottles, stay hydrated throughout the day and follow any revised uniform guidance issued by their school.
Official health and weather advice is available through the Met Office, which continues to monitor conditions as temperatures rise.
With the red warning remaining in effect and temperatures expected to remain exceptionally high, further school closures cannot be ruled out. For now, school leaders across England and Wales are continuing to review conditions daily as they balance education with pupil safety during one of the hottest June periods on record.
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