Education Consumer Rights & Guidance
TL;DR
There is no legal temperature at which UK schools must close. The Department for Education expects schools to remain open during heatwaves and take practical steps to keep pupils safe. Closures are rare and only occur in exceptional circumstances such as temperatures above 40C. Parents should contact their school directly for any site-specific decisions.
Key Facts
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Is there a legal temperature for school closures
There is no specific temperature in UK law that requires a school to close. The Health and Safety Executive sets the workplace temperature standard as 'reasonable' - a principle that applies to schools as employers. The HSE guidance states that there is no law for a maximum working temperature, or when it is too hot to work. This applies to teaching staff as well as support staff.
The Department for Education does not set a mandatory closure temperature either. Government guidance states that school attendance is the best way for pupils to learn and that closures are not normally advised due to high temperatures. Schools are instead expected to take a range of practical measures to keep buildings cool and protect pupils and staff.
What the DfE expects schools to do in a heatwave
The Department for Education has published guidance on managing school premises in hot weather. Schools are expected to ventilate buildings by opening windows overnight or early in the morning to let cool air in, then closing them before the outdoor temperature exceeds the indoor temperature to trap cooler air inside.
Curtains and blinds should remain closed during the day to block direct sunlight while still allowing ventilation. Fans can help circulate air, but the guidance notes they may worsen dehydration if indoor temperatures exceed 35C. Schools should minimise use of electric lighting and turn off unused equipment to reduce heat generated inside classrooms.
Schools are also expected to allow pupils to wear lighter clothing, provide regular water breaks, modify or cancel outdoor PE during the hottest parts of the day, and monitor children - particularly younger pupils - for signs of heat-related illness.
When can a school decide to close
Individual headteachers and governing bodies have discretion to close a school if they judge that conditions present a genuine risk to health and safety. This decision rests with the school itself, not with the local authority or the DfE. In practice, closures due to heat are rare.
During the July 2022 heatwave, when temperatures reached 40.3C - the highest ever recorded in the UK - a number of schools closed or sent pupils home early. The current forecast for June 2026 peaks at around 38C, which while exceptional for June, falls below the 2022 extremes that prompted widespread closures.
Private nurseries and early years settings have somewhat more flexibility as their regulatory framework differs from maintained schools, but closures remain uncommon and other precautions are encouraged first.
Recognising heat illness in children
The UK Health Security Agency outlines a progression of heat-related conditions to watch for. Heat stress presents as irritability, tiredness and general discomfort. Move the child to a cool area, give them water and help lower their temperature with cool water. If symptoms do not improve, call NHS 111.
Heat exhaustion is more serious and includes heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea and fainting. The child should be moved to a cool environment and given water or sports drinks. If they do not improve within 30 minutes, seek medical attention.
Heatstroke is a medical emergency. Signs include a high body temperature above 40C, hot and red skin that is dry or damp, rapid and strong pulse, and confusion or loss of consciousness. Call 999 immediately and begin cooling the child while waiting for emergency services.
What parents can do
Contact your child's school directly if you are concerned about their specific site and its ability to stay cool. Many older school buildings have poor ventilation and no air conditioning, which may affect how well the DfE guidance can be implemented in practice.
Ensure children go to school hydrated and with a water bottle. The UKHSA recommends drinking regularly throughout the day rather than waiting to feel thirsty. Applying sunscreen before school is advisable if children will be outdoors, and hats should be brought for any outside time.
If your child has a medical condition that makes them particularly vulnerable to heat - such as certain heart conditions, kidney conditions, or if they take medications that affect heat regulation - speak to your school's special educational needs coordinator or the school nurse in advance.
Editorial disclaimer: This article is produced for general information only. Kaeltripton.com is not regulated by the FCA. Nothing in this article constitutes financial, legal, or professional advice. Readers should verify all details with their local council, the relevant government body, or a qualified professional before taking action. |
Frequently Asked Questions
At what temperature must schools close in the UK?
There is no legal maximum temperature that forces a school to close. UK law requires workplaces to maintain a 'reasonable' temperature but sets no fixed ceiling. The decision to close rests with individual headteachers and governing bodies.
Can a headteacher close a school during a heatwave?
Yes. Headteachers and governing bodies have discretion to close if they judge conditions are unsafe. This is rare in practice and most schools remain open with modified routines rather than closing entirely.
What should children wear to school in a heatwave?
Schools have discretion over uniform rules. Many allow lighter clothing or relax uniform requirements during extreme heat. Check with your school directly - most will communicate any uniform adjustments via their usual parent communications channels.
What are the signs my child is suffering from heat exhaustion at school?
Signs include heavy sweating, paleness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea and possible fainting. Schools should move the child to a cool area and give fluids. If there is no improvement within 30 minutes, medical attention is required. Heatstroke - marked by confusion and hot, dry skin - is a 999 emergency.
Does the heatwave guidance apply to universities and colleges
Universities and further education colleges are not governed by DfE schools guidance. They operate as autonomous institutions and apply HSE workplace temperature standards to their obligations as employers, but may also have their own policies regarding student welfare during extreme heat. Check with your institution directly.
