Heatwave forces UK schools to lose over 15 million teaching hours

A study revealed that June’s record heat forced more than 1,700 schools in England and Wales to shut completely or reduce opening times, depriving pupils of about 5.9 million teaching hours. In schools that remained open, heat-induced illnesses and dehydration led to widespread absences, costing an additional 9.5 million hours of instruction. Attendance on the peak days doubled the usual rate in the south of England and rose above 36 percent in Wales.

Educators reported classrooms reaching temperatures over 40 °C, making learning nearly impossible. Experts warned that such disruptions could widen attainment gaps, especially for disadvantaged students who rely on school resources. Calls are growing for greater funding to upgrade ventilation, shading and cooling in aging school buildings as climate change makes extreme heat more common.