Full list of schools closing or shutting early as heatwave scorches
Schools throughout the country are sending children home early to protect them from extreme heat
By Harriette Boucher
Hundreds of schools in England and Wales are being forced to send children home this week as the UK braces for extreme temperatures.
With the mercury set to reach close to 40C – and a rare red warning for extreme heat coming into force on Wednesday – teachers have expressed concern for their students’ safety during the heatwave.
Parts of the East Midlands, east of England, London & south east England, south west England, Wales, and West Midlands are under the red warning until 9pm on Thursday.
The Met Office said an “exceptional spell of hot and humid weather” is forecast in these areas, with this latest heatwave expected to surpass the record for June of 35.6C set in Hampshire in 1976. The temperature could even come close to the UK’s all-time high of 40.3C which was measured in July 2022.
Follow our live updates on the UK heatwave here
While there is no maximum temperature limit for classrooms, schools can decide if they want to close early. Some 100 schools in Somerset will be closed over the next three days, with the vast majority fully closed on Wednesday and Thursday, according to Somerset Council.
The same numbers will also be at least partially closed over the next three days in Buckinghamshire, along with 86 schools in Gloucestershire, according to council data.
Children at some schools have also been told they can wear PE kit rather than full school uniform, which can involve long trousers and blazers.
The Independent has compiled a list of schools that are closing early or not opening at all this week. Some councils have not provided information on school closures or closing times, but you can click here to find out if your child’s school will stay open.