Bolton schools shut or close early as amber alert for heat in place

One school has shut for two days, while a number of others are sending pupils home early as temperatures are forecast to hit 33C across the town.

University Collegiate School and Sharples School and Westhoughton High School have both changed arrangements because of the extreme heat affecting the region.

There is a amber alert for extreme heat currently covering the town.

The official list on Bolton Council’s website. (Image: Bolton Council)

Bolton Council said University Collegiate School on Deane Road will be closed to pupils on Thursday, June 25, and Friday, June 26.

Sharples Secondary School will be closed at 12.30 today, June 25.

Westhoughton High School is to close today at 2.15 pm, which it did yesterday as well. The sports day will be postponed until next Tuesday, June 30.

The move comes as the town remains under warnings for exceptionally high temperatures, with today expected to be the hottest day of the week.

(Image: Newsquest)

Caroline Molyneux, headteacher at Sharples School, said: “The pupils at Sharples have been fantastic this week during the hot weather and with amendments to uniform requirements and ensuring that everyone stays hydrated, we have had a positive week.

“However, today is due to be hotter again, so allowing families the option for pupils to go home and stay cool this afternoon, which will benefit their concentration levels when they return tomorrow.”

Pupils who need supervision are allowed to remain on site until 3.15 pm, with air-conditioned rooms available.

(Image: NQ)

Year Eight parents’ evening is also due to go ahead as planned in air-conditioned rooms between 4 pm and 7 pm.

Bolton Council said University Collegiate School would reopen to all pupils on Monday, June 29.

Ms Molyneux said: “We are closing early, but students can stay on to continue learning this afternoon if parents require it.

“The school remains open all day with provision for these children and we have Parents Evening for Year Eight families this afternoon 4-7pm.”

She added: “It also means that our staff can have some respite from the unprecedentedly hot weather this week before returning for the parents evening.

“We have received thank you messages from our families for our commitment to the wellbeing of the students.”

Schools across Bolton have relaxed uniform rules this week, with many allowing pupils to wear PE kits and encouraging students to stay hydrated.

The Department for Education has said children should continue attending school if it remains open, with decisions on closures being left to individual schools.

Westhoughton High School posted: “The forecast for Thursday is now for high temperatures with no cloud cover. In accordance with DfE guidance we will postpone sports day / inflatables rewards until Tuesday June 30th.

“School will close at 2.15pm on Wednesday and Thursday this week. A full message has been sent to all families. Thank you.”