More than 850 schools across the UK are closed today (Wednesday) as an 'extreme' heatwave brings record-breaking temperatures, with the Met Office issuing a rare red weather warning. Hundreds of additional schools are planning early closures to protect pupils from the soaring heat, which is expected to climb to 40°C in some areas.
Red Weather Warning and School Closures
The red warning covers a broad area from London to Swansea and Somerset to Birmingham. According to the Mirror, over 850 schools have announced full or partial closures for today. Some schools will close after lunch, while others have moved to online learning. For example, Dixons Newell Green Academy in Wythenshawe is closing early both today and Thursday, with a message to parents stating a 12:55 pm closure.
Government Advice and Safety Measures
The Department for Education has advised that schools typically should not close during hot weather, stating on its website: 'During hot weather, we don't normally advise schools to close. This is because school attendance is the best way for pupils to learn and reach their potential, and hot weather can usually be managed safely.' However, given the extreme conditions, many schools have taken precautionary steps. Children have been told they can wear PE kit instead of full school uniform, and some after-school clubs have been cancelled.
