As record-breaking temperatures sweep across England, parents are increasingly stepping in to provide air conditioning units for schools struggling to cope with the heat. The Met Office issued a rare red warning for extreme heat this week, forecasting temperatures to reach at least 39 degrees Celsius, potentially surpassing the previous June high of 35.6 degrees set in 1976.

In response to the sweltering conditions, many schools in London and the south of England are either releasing students early or closing altogether. Some institutions have cancelled outdoor activities such as sports days and physical education classes, relaxed uniform requirements, or hastened to purchase fans to alleviate the heat in classrooms.

Parents have begun bringing portable air conditioning units directly to schools. One parent reported delivering a unit to their child’s classroom in southern England, while others in London are reportedly coordinating similar efforts. Meanwhile, an air conditioning company managing director noted a rise in inquiries from parents and teachers seeking donations of spare units to mitigate classroom heat. He shared that a special needs teaching assistant working in an especially hot portable building had reached out for assistance.

The issue highlights broader concerns raised last month by the Climate Change Committee, the UK’s independent climate adviser, which warned that many English schools are vulnerable to overheating. The committee emphasized that the lack of adequate cooling measures could negatively affect students’ concentration and academic performance, with research indicating a higher likelihood of exam failure and increased absenteeism during hot weather.

Despite the escalating heat, the Department for Education maintained that it does not usually recommend school closures during warm conditions, arguing that consistent attendance is crucial for pupils’ learning and development and that hot weather can generally be managed safely. However, an increasing number of headteachers have opted to send children home early or close schools, underscoring a disconnect between official guidance and the practical challenges faced on the ground.

Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, pointed to the inadequacy of many school buildings to handle temperature extremes. He noted that smaller primary schools, often housed in older structures, are particularly ill-equipped for overheated conditions.

With climate scientists warning that global warming is raising the frequency and intensity of heatwaves in the UK—last year being the hottest on record—schools are adapting in various ways. One school in Hertfordshire is employing paddling pools to cool younger children, while others in London have adjusted schedules, commencing the school day earlier or offering early pickup options for students. Uniform policies have also been relaxed, with some children allowed to forgo blazers and ties or wear lighter clothing and PE kits to remain comfortable during the heatwave.