Extreme heat forces school closures, early finishes across England, Wales

Schools across England and Wales are responding to extreme heat by closing their doors or sending students home early. The soaring temperatures have prompted institutions to prioritize pupil safety, with some opting for full closures while others are implementing half-days.

The Buckingham School in Buckinghamshire, for example, will be closed for two days, with students shifting to online learning because its buildings cannot be adequately cooled. Similar measures are being adopted by schools in Wiltshire, London, Slough, Reading, and Surrey, with many planning early finishes from Monday to Wednesday.

The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) has issued guidance to school leaders on how to manage the heatwave. This advice includes considerations for when school closures might be necessary to ensure the well-being of students and staff.

As parts of Europe swelter under a heatwave, the UK is experiencing some of the most severe impacts on its education system, highlighting the challenges posed by rising global temperatures.