The heatwaves we didn’t plan for: keeping pupils safe when classrooms become too hot
In schools, hot weather used to be an occasional inconvenience. Now, prolonged periods of high temperatures are becoming a regular feature of the...
In schools, hot weather used to be an occasional inconvenience. Now, prolonged periods of high temperatures are becoming a regular feature of the summer term.
Classrooms designed to keep heat in during winter can quickly become uncomfortable, making it harder for pupils to concentrate, learn, and stay well.
Hot classrooms are becoming more common.
Unlike in some countries, most buildings in the UK were not designed for the high temperatures associated with prolonged heatwaves, and school buildings are no exception. South-facing classrooms, older buildings, and poorly ventilated rooms can become particularly uncomfortable.
❗ Provisional figures show June 2026 was England's warmest June on record, while the UK and Wales recorded their second warmest since records began in 1884. (Met Office)
❗ An estimated 1.6 million children currently live in overheated homes across England. Over 70% of parents experiencing overheating in their home said it disrupts their children’s sleep, while nearly half say it affects their children's ability to concentrate. (National Housing Federation)
❗At the end of last month, teachers across the country reported classroom temperatures of 25°C to 38°C, with most exceeding the National Education Union’s recommended maximum of 26°C. (Global Witness)
While many schools closed or sent pupils home early during the last heatwave, the situation serves as a sharp reminder of the importance of sun safety in schools during periods of high temperatures.
The impact of heat on pupils
Even a few degrees above the recommended maximum can have a noticeable effect on how pupils feel and function in the classroom. In fact, last year, over 350 heat-related incidents in schools were logged on Medical Tracker.
When classrooms become very warm, school staff often notice:
👉 Increased tiredness and irritability
👉More headaches and complaints of feeling unwell
👉 Difficulty concentrating
👉 Reduced participation in lessons
👉 Increased thirst and dehydration
👉 More visits to the first-aid room
💡 Good to know:
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There is no legal maximum classroom temperature in the UK. However, schools still have a duty to assess risks and take reasonable steps to protect pupils and staff during extreme heat.
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The National Education Union recommends a maximum classroom temperature of 26°C. The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS), Scotland's largest teaching union, and teaching unions in Wales and Northern Ireland have issued similar recommendations.
- In England, the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 requires employers to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of their staff and others on the premises, including pupils. Similar legal duties apply across the UK.
Who is most at risk during hot weather?
Any pupil can become dehydrated or unwell in the heat, but some groups may need closer monitoring. Some children are also more vulnerable than others.
Pupils who may need extra support include:
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Early years pupils
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Pupils with SEND
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Pupils with asthma
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Pupils with diabetes
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Pupils with epilepsy
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Pupils with heart conditions
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Pupils taking certain medications
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Pupils who are fasting
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Pupils who are overweight or obese
These pupils may be more vulnerable to dehydration, overheating, or changes in their usual medical condition.
Most pupils will simply feel hot and tired. However, prolonged exposure to heat can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and, in rare cases, heatstroke – a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment.
The reassuring news is that many heat-related illnesses are preventable. Small adjustments to the school day, alongside early recognition of symptoms, can make a significant difference.
We've written extensively about sun safety this summer term. The articles below offer a fresh reminder of practical guidance for keeping pupils safe when classrooms and outdoor spaces become too hot.
Read our sun safety in school issues:
Sun Safety in School Supporting Resources:
Below are some resources to support your school's approach to sun safety during the heatwave. Together, these resources are designed to support a joined-up, whole-school approach to keeping pupils safe in the sun.