UK schools battle extreme heat as classrooms exceed 40°C

The United Kingdom has experienced two extreme heatwaves in recent weeks, with classroom temperatures soaring above 40 °C. Teachers report rising incidents of heat‑related illness among students and staff, including nausea, fainting and heatstroke. In an effort to keep pupils safe, teachers have resorted to measures such as covering younger children in wet paper towels while they lie on the floor and providing trays of water for older students to soak their feet under desks.

The heat has strained school facilities that were not designed for such conditions. Many classrooms lack adequate ventilation or air‑conditioning, forcing teachers to improvise cooling strategies. The situation has prompted concerns from educators about the health and safety of children in an environment that exceeds the limits of typical school infrastructure.

School authorities and education officials are urged to implement urgent adaptations, such as installing cooling systems, adjusting class schedules, and providing emergency medical protocols, to protect students and staff during these unprecedented heat events.