UK college closures confirmed after Met Office crimson climate warning – full listing
A red weather warning for extreme heat has been issued by the Met Office for parts of England and Wales, with temperatures expected to reach up to 40C — see the full list of affected schools
Thousands of pupils will not need to attend school when the heat warnings are in place
Dozens of schools have been compelled to shut their doors following rare red warnings for extreme temperatures that are anticipated to reach record-breaking heights for June.
Forecasters predict temperatures could soar to 40C in certain areas of England and Wales during the middle of the week, according to the Met Office.
A red weather warning for extreme heat spanning from London to Swansea and Somerset to Birmingham has been issued by the Met Office, running from 9am on Wednesday through to 9pm on Thursday.
This alert represents the most serious category according to the Met Office, as conditions are predicted to deliver “severe and significant impacts” including widespread health dangers for many people, not merely those typically more susceptible to heat, and potentially life-threatening situations.
To date, schools throughout South East England, South West England, London, East Midlands and the East of England have announced closures.
The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) revealed it has contacted all its members with advice on managing the heatwave this week, covering effects on pupils and staff, legal obligations and circumstances for considering closure.
Paul Whiteman, NAHT general secretary, commented: “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 greater risks of developing heat-related illnesses compared to adults. Schools aren’t typically recommended to shut, though they might consider easing uniform policies during sweltering weather to ensure pupils remain comfortable.
However, with temperatures expected to approach the UK’s record high of 40.3C recorded in July 2022, the country is experiencing extraordinary conditions, prompting some schools to decide to shut their doors.
For certain pupils, this doesn’t mean a holiday from education, as all lessons have shifted online.
Other schools will operate during morning hours but conclude at lunchtime over the coming days. These include Pewsey Vale School, Dilton Marsh Primary and Malmesbury School in Wiltshire, Ditton Park Academy in Slough, Berkshire, The Bulmershe School in Reading, Berkshire, Cheam High School in Surrey and Sydenham School in London.
Beyond schools, the scorching temperatures are anticipated to trigger transport disruption and severely affect the healthcare system.
Full list of schools that 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
