Pupils missed 15m hours of school time during UK’s June heatwave, study finds
Summary
A severe heatwave in the UK during June caused schools in England and Wales to close or finish early, leading to over 15 million hours of missed teaching time. The extreme heat caused health problems for pupils and staff, disrupted learning, and raised concerns about long-term effects on children's education, especially for those from poorer backgrounds.Key Facts
- The June heatwave in the UK lasted eight days with classroom temperatures over 40°C (104°F).
- Around 760,000 pupils missed lessons due to school closures or early finishes.
- More than 1,700 schools in England and Wales closed entirely or ended early during the heatwave.
- Symptoms reported among pupils and staff included heat stress, fainting, nausea, and headaches.
- Nearly 2,900 extra deaths were linked to the May and June heatwaves across the UK.
- High temperatures and closures disrupted education and increased absenteeism as parents kept children home.
- Experts warn missed school time can lower exam results and harm mental health, especially for disadvantaged children.
- The heatwaves highlighted the need for better investment to make schools safe and comfortable in extreme weather.
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