How hot does it have to be for UK schools and nurseries to close? What parents need to know
UK schools rarely shut in hot weather – here’s what happens instead and the rules around uniform, PE and staying cool
With temperatures regularly over 30°C across the UK in summer now, many parents are wondering the same thing: Is it ever too hot for school? With classrooms heating up and kids struggling through sticky PE lessons, here’s what the current guidance says – and what schools should be doing during a heatwave to keep children safe and well.
Do schools close when it’s really hot?
In short: very rarely. According to the UK government, schools are expected to remain open, even during heatwave conditions. The Department for Education states that "school attendance is the best way for pupils to learn and reach their potential", and closures are not normally advised due to high temperatures.
However, schools are expected to take action to protect children’s health. Young children, in particular, are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Only in extreme cases such as the unforgettable heatwave of July 2022 when the mercury tipped 40°C, do schools close their doors for health and safety reasons.
What should schools and parents do to keep children safe?
During hot weather, parents should send their children in with plenty of water, sunscreen and a hat, while schools are advised to make adjustments to the environment and the school day. This should include:
Hydration: Children must have access to plenty of drinking water and be encouraged to drink more than usual.
Shade and sun protection: Pupils should be encouraged to stay in shaded areas when outdoors, wear hats with wide brims, and apply sunscreen with high protection factors.
Adapted physical activity: PE lessons should be modified to avoid vigorous exercise. On very hot days, the Department of Health and Social Care recommends that children avoid strenuous activity altogether.
Schools are also advised to sign up to Weather-Health Alerts from the UK Health Security Agency and the Met Office to stay ahead of extreme heat forecasts.
Can schools relax uniform rules?
Yes — and most do. Many schools choose to relax uniform policies during hot spells to help keep children cool. Children should be encouraged to wear:
Loose-fitting, light-coloured cotton clothing
PE kits, if allowed
Sunhats
No blazers or jumpers
Teachers are also advised to encourage children to remove any layers that could contribute to overheating.
How can classrooms be kept cool?
The Department for Education outlines several practical steps for managing classroom temperatures:
Ventilation: Open windows overnight or early in the morning to allow cool air in. Once the outdoor air becomes warmer than indoors, windows should be closed to trap the cooler air inside.
Curtains and blinds: These should remain closed during the day (while still allowing for ventilation) to block out direct sunlight.
Fans: Mechanical fans can help circulate air, but only if indoor temperatures are below 35°C. Above this, fans may actually worsen dehydration.
Lights and electronics: Keep electric lighting to a minimum and turn off unused equipment to reduce heat output.
What signs of heat-related illness should staff watch for?
Children don’t always recognise or communicate the symptoms of overheating, so school staff are asked to stay alert. The UK Health Security Agency outlines several stages of heat-related illness:
Heat stress
Early signs can include irritability, tiredness, and general discomfort. For younger children in nappies, fewer wet nappies may indicate dehydration.
Heat exhaustion
More serious symptoms include:
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headaches
- Pale, clammy skin
- Excessive sweating
What to do: Move the child to a cool area, give them water, and help lower their temperature with cool water or a fan. If symptoms don’t improve, call NHS 111.
Heatstroke
This is a medical emergency. Signs include:
- Confusion or disorientation
- Seizures or loss of consciousness
- Very high body temperature (over 40°C)
- Hot, red skin
- Rapid heartbeat or breathing
What to do: Call 999 immediately and begin cooling the child while waiting for emergency services.
What about nurseries?
Private nurseries and early years settings have slightly more flexibility. If they feel extreme heat poses a risk to children's health and safety, they may choose to close, based on their individual risk assessments. That said, closures are still uncommon and other precautions are encouraged first.
Your child’s school is very unlikely to close due to hot weather – but that doesn’t mean they won’t adapt the day. From ditching blazers to skipping PE and encouraging more water breaks, there are clear steps schools should be taking to keep children safe and cool.
For more on keeping children safe in hot weather, visit the UK Health Security Agency's official guidance.