As the UK faces an intense heatwave with temperatures soaring to 38°C, teaching unions have clarified the temperature at which schools should consider closing or implementing additional safety measures. Currently, there is no official government mandate setting a maximum indoor temperature for classrooms.
The National Education Union (NEU) advises that when classroom temperatures reach 26°C, schools should begin taking extra precautions to protect staff and pupils. Similarly, the NASUWT—the teacher’s union—has stated that sustained indoor temperatures above 27°C are unacceptable for safe learning environments.
Guidance from the Department for Education (DfE) recommends simple cooling measures such as closing indoor blinds or curtains, provided this does not hinder ventilation. The DfE also warns that mechanical fans should only be used when temperatures are below 35°C, since above this threshold fans might fail to prevent heat-related illnesses and could exacerbate dehydration.
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Responsibility for deciding whether schools remain open during extreme heat lies primarily with individual schools, rather than local authorities, according to a DfE spokesperson.
The Met Office has forecast extreme heat and humid conditions across the UK for the week, with strong sunshine and potential thunderstorms in some regions. Temperatures will peak midweek, with some cooling expected towards the weekend, though conditions will remain above average for the period.
This heatwave has prompted widespread concern for the health and safety of students and staff, highlighting the importance of clear guidelines on managing high temperatures in educational settings.