Will Manchester schools close this week as temperatures hit 38C?

The UK is set to be hit by a heatwave this week, with temperatures expected to reach 38C – but will schools be forced to close?

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The United Kingdom is bracing itself for a scorching week, with the latest heatwave expected to see temperatures approach a remarkable 40C.

But what does this mean for the millions of pupils currently packed into busy – and undoubtedly hot – classrooms?

An extreme amber heat warning has already been issued by the Met Office, spanning from Monday, June 22 until Thursday, June 25, with temperatures on Monday and Tuesday forecast to peak at a sweltering 38C.

Separate amber heat health alerts have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency, now covering the majority of England inlcuding Greater Manchester from Monday morning until Friday night.

While these health alerts urge Britons to stay well hydrated and remain out of direct sunlight, those confined to stuffy classrooms have precious little control over their surroundings.

Consequently, schools across the UK are making extensive preparations for the blistering week ahead, with teachers working hard to prevent heat exhaustion and fainting among pupils in the soaring temperatures – both of which have been reported in recent years during particularly gruelling conditions.

Why does hot weather pose such a challenge in schools?

Teachers, unions, schools and parents have all voiced serious concerns over rising classroom temperatures during the UK’s increasingly sweltering summers in recent years. Soaring temperatures can make concentration difficult at the best of times.

Pupils with special educational needs or other conditions may find it particularly challenging during an intense heatwave — and they are far from alone.

Teachers are equally affected, battling through the same sweltering conditions while attempting to educate children who are struggling to stay focused, one Deputy Head of a London secondary school told the i newspaper.

“During the hottest days, teachers can barely teach, let alone students learn,” the senior teacher named ‘Daniel’ told the publication. “My staff say it’s really hard to function properly.”

Will schools be forced to close during the June heatwave?

While no formal school closures have been declared during June’s heatwave, increasing pressure is mounting on the Government to establish regulations permitting schools to close when temperatures reach dangerously high levels.

Both the Climate Change Committee (CCC) and the Trades Union Congress (TUC) have supported demands for a maximum temperature threshold in classrooms.

The Department for Education (DfE) has confirmed it is “carefully considering” these proposals.

Existing DfE guidance states that schools should stay open during hot weather periods, maintaining that regular attendance provides pupils with the optimal opportunity to learn and reach their full potential.

Following the previous heatwave earlier this year, teaching unions reiterated demands for a statutory maximum classroom temperature. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson stopped short of ruling out the possibility when pressed in June.

She did, however, recognise the difficulties created by elevated temperatures in the classroom, stating that periods of extreme heat can create challenging conditions for teachers and school staff and may also impact children’s capacity to learn.

What measures can schools take to keep students (and staff) cool?

Several schools have already implemented precautionary measures, with pupils advised to ensure they bring refillable water bottles to lessons for regular hydration throughout the day. Educational establishments across the UK are also urging students to bring hats for outdoor wear and to apply sunscreen before departing for school in the morning.

One school in Wiltshire has relaxed its uniform policy to combat the heat. From Monday, pupils may wear their standard uniform without jumpers and ties, or opt for their PE kit as an alternative.

Whitchurch High School informed WalesOnline it is implementing “sensible arrangements in place to help students remain safe and comfortable”.