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Full list of schools shut across UK as heatwave hits
Published 08:00 24 Jun 2026 BST
Updated 08:35 24 Jun 2026 BST
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With temperatures soaring across the country and forecasters warning that parts of England and Wales could approach the 40°C mark, the UK is facing one of its most intense heatwaves in recent memory.
The extreme conditions have become so severe that some schools have had no choice but to suspend lessons, with overheated classrooms making it increasingly difficult for pupils and staff to focus, work or remain comfortable throughout the day.
The Met Office has issued a red weather warning for extreme heat across a vast swathe of southern and central England and parts of Wales, stretching from London to Swansea and from Somerset through to Birmingham.
The alert represents the highest level of warning, signalling potentially dangerous conditions as temperatures soar.
The conditions are expected to bring “severe and significant impacts”, including a risk to life, affecting not only those who are more vulnerable to heat but also the wider population.
Children are among those most impacted
According to government guidance, children are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses than adults.
As a result, during these exceptional conditions, some schools have been encouraged to close their doors.
According to the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT), members have been contacted and advised on how to manage the heatwave this week.
The guidance covers the potential impact on both pupils and staff, schools’ legal responsibilities, and the circumstances in which closure may be necessary.
NAHT general secretary Paul Whiteman has said that although there is no legal “upper limit” for temperatures in schools, school leaders will be doing everything they can to reduce the impact of the extreme heat.
This does not necessarily mean a pause in education, as teaching is continuing online, with all classes being moved to digital learning platforms.
Some schools are choosing to run shortened schedules, operating only in the morning and finishing at lunchtime over the coming days.
These include Dilton Marsh Primary and Malmesbury School in Wiltshire, Ditton Park Academy in Slough, Cheam High School in Surrey, Pewsey Vale School, The Bulmershe School in Reading, and Sydenham School in London.
Check which schools are shut
To see which schools are closed, you can use this government tool here to search.
Check with school for full details around planned or partially closures.
London
Devon
Somerset
Wales
Hampshire
Bristol
Oxford
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