Schools begin shutting early as UK heatwave intensifies

At least 18 UK schools were reported to be closing early or changing their schedules on Friday, July 10, as the country’s third heatwave of 2026 intensified.

Temperatures were forecast to reach about 36C, with the UK Health Security Agency keeping nine amber heat-health alerts in place across parts of England. The Met Office was reported to expect the warm spell to continue until Wednesday, July 22.

Schools affected

The reported changes included lunchtime dismissals, altered timetables and, in one case, a full closure because of heat inside a building.

The Dorcan Academy in Swindon said it would cancel detentions for the rest of the week while it continued to monitor forecasts and guidance from the UK Health Security Agency. Chawson Community First School in Droitwich, Worcestershire, was reported to be closing entirely because of extreme heat inside the building.

Areas mentioned in the reported closures included Swansea, Shropshire, London, Worcestershire, Powys, Staffordshire, Berkshire, Herefordshire and Swindon.

Wider disruption

The school changes came as the heatwave was affecting a wider stretch of public services and raising concerns about indoor temperatures, pupil safety and staff conditions.

Heat-health alerts were reported across the North West, Yorkshire and the Humber, the East Midlands, the West Midlands, the East of England, London, the South West and the South East. The alerts were reported to remain in place until 9pm on Sunday, July 12.

Earlier in June, more than 1,000 schools were reported to have closed during a different heat episode when temperatures reached 37C.

What to watch

The list of affected schools could still grow before Friday, and further notices from schools or local authorities could replace secondary reporting with direct confirmation.

Officials were also still being watched for any update to the heat-health alert map or forecast as the hot spell continued.