As the UK braces for a blistering heatwave with temperatures forecast to hit 38C in some parts of the country, Birmingham schools are preparing for the scorching conditions but face no official closure orders.
Extreme Heat Warning Issued
The Met Office has issued an extreme amber heat warning covering Monday, June 22 to Thursday, June 25, with peaks of 38C expected on Monday and Tuesday. The UK Health Security Agency has also released separate amber heat health alerts for most of England from Monday morning until Friday night.
While these alerts advise the public to stay hydrated and avoid direct sunlight, pupils and teachers in sweltering classrooms have limited control over their environment. Schools across the UK, including those in Birmingham, are making extensive preparations to prevent heat exhaustion and fainting, which have been reported in recent years.
Why Hot Classrooms Are a Challenge
Teachers, unions, and parents have raised serious concerns about rising classroom temperatures during increasingly hot summers. High heat makes concentration difficult, especially for students with special educational needs or other conditions. Teachers also struggle to function effectively.
One deputy head of a London secondary school, named 'Daniel', told the i newspaper: "During the hottest days, teachers can barely teach, let alone students learn. My staff say it's really hard to function properly."
Will Schools Be Forced to Close?
No official school closures have been announced for the June heatwave. However, pressure is mounting on the government to introduce regulations allowing closures when temperatures become dangerously high. The Climate Change Committee (CCC) and the Trades Union Congress (TUC) have backed calls for a maximum temperature limit in classrooms.
The Department for Education (DfE) confirmed it is "carefully considering" these proposals. Current DfE guidance states schools should remain open during hot weather, as regular attendance is deemed optimal for learning. Teaching unions have repeated calls for a statutory maximum classroom temperature.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson acknowledged the challenges, noting that extreme heat can create difficult conditions for staff and affect children's ability to learn.
How Schools Are Keeping Pupils Cool
Many schools have implemented preventative measures. Students are reminded to bring refillable water bottles for hydration throughout the day. Schools are also encouraging pupils to bring hats for outdoor use and apply sunscreen before school.
One school in Wiltshire has relaxed its uniform policy, allowing students to wear regular uniform without jumpers and ties, or choose PE kit as an alternative. Whitchurch High School told WalesOnline it has "sensible arrangements in place to help students remain safe and comfortable."
