UK Schools Shut 1,000 Sites Early as 38C Heat Spurs Calendar Review
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Aug 22
UK Schools Shut 1,000 Sites Early as 38C Heat Spurs Calendar Review
1 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Aug 22
Summary
More than 1,000 UK schools either closed or sent pupils home early during recent heatwaves, as poorly ventilated classrooms became unsafe and disrupted teaching and exams.
38C was recorded in Norfolk on June 26 — the UK's hottest June day — during a summer that has brought five widespread heatwaves and four straight months above 35C.
Ofsted chief Martyn Oliver and school leaders are urging a rethink of term dates, with some parents backing an earlier summer break and formal guidance for "heat days."
Research cited in the report says a 32C exam day cuts the likelihood of passing by about 10%, while schools could lose 8.2 learning days a year on average in a world warmer than 2C.
The debate now centers on whether Britain should shift holidays, invest in cooler school buildings, or both, as hotter weather arrives earlier and lasts longer.