As reported by the Independent, rising temperatures are prompting fresh questions about whether schools need stronger protections against extreme heat, as unions push for new rules on classroom conditions
Following the recent heatwave, education leaders urged the government to consider setting a maximum temperature for schools, warning that excessive heat can disrupt learning and create uncomfortable environments for pupils and staff.
The calls come as scientists link increasingly frequent hot weather to long-term climate trends, with forecasts suggesting further periods of extreme heat are likely in the years ahead.
At the same time, ministers are rolling out a decade-long strategy to improve school buildings and make them more resilient to challenges such as overheating and flooding.
The programme includes £1bn of investment to repair and upgrade ageing school estates, with a focus on buildings that are struggling to cope with rising temperatures or other climate-related pressures.
Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union, said a formal heat limit would help drive investment in cooling measures and ensure schools are better prepared for hotter conditions.
He argued that improvements such as air conditioning could help maintain learning during warm weather, particularly during exams, while reducing risks to pupils and staff.
The education secretary stopped short of ruling out future action, leaving open the possibility that temperature limits could form part of the government’s response.
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