NEWS: Schools Hit by Heatwave Amid Cooling Demands

As reported by the Guardian, hundreds of schools across southern England and Wales are expected to adjust their opening hours this week as extreme temperatures place increasing strain on classrooms and school buildings

Many headteachers have warned parents that pupils could be sent home early or face temporary closures if conditions become too difficult to manage during the hottest parts of the day.

The heatwave has also renewed calls for long-term measures to help schools cope with rising temperatures, with education leaders arguing that many buildings are ill-equipped for increasingly frequent periods of extreme heat.

Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union, said schools needed greater support to make classrooms safer and more comfortable during hot weather. He argued that many older school buildings struggle to regulate temperatures effectively, creating difficult learning conditions for pupils and staff.

The union is calling for investment in upgrades such as improved ventilation, shading and cooling infrastructure to help schools adapt to a changing climate.

While policymakers debate longer-term solutions, school leaders are relying on temporary measures to keep classrooms operational. Fans, portable air-conditioning units and revised timetables are being deployed where available, although some schools report difficulties sourcing equipment due to high demand.