The Met Office has issued a red weather warning for exceptional heat stretching from London to Swansea and Somerset to Birmingham, valid from 9am on Wednesday until 9pm on Thursday. In response, a total of 41 schools across the UK have confirmed closures on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, due to the extreme temperatures forecast to reach record-breaking levels for June.
Red Warning and Health Risks
Meteorological experts indicate the thermometer could rise to 40C across certain areas of England and Wales during the middle of the week, the Met Office has cautioned. This red weather alert represents the most serious category the Met Office can declare, with forecasters anticipating severe and significant impacts including widespread health dangers for many people, not merely those typically more susceptible to heat, with potentially fatal situations.
According to the government website, children face a greater risk of heat-related illnesses compared to adults. Schools aren't usually recommended to shut, although they may consider easing uniform requirements during spells of extreme heat to ensure pupils remain comfortable. However, with temperatures forecast to approach the UK's record high of 40.3C, recorded in July 2022, the nation is facing extraordinary circumstances, prompting some schools to opt for closure.
Guidance from School Leaders
The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) has stated it has contacted all its members providing advice on managing the heatwave this week, covering consequences for pupils and staff, legal obligations and circumstances where closure might be warranted. Paul Whiteman, NAHT general secretary, said: "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."
For certain pupils, this doesn't necessarily mean a pause in education, as all classes have transferred to online platforms. Other schools will operate during morning sessions 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.
Affected Regions and Full List of Schools
So far, schools throughout South East England, South West England, London, East Midlands and the East of England have announced they will close. Beyond educational establishments, the scorching temperatures are anticipated to cause travel disruption and place considerable pressure on 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
