Pupils missed 15m hours of school time during UK’s June heatwave, study finds

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Published: 2026-09-11T10:08:58.460Z • Permanent link

Pupils in England and Wales were forced to miss out on 15 million hours of lesson time due to the extreme heatwave that hit the UK in June, a staggering figure that highlights the devastating impact of climate-related disruptions on the education sector. According to a recent study, at least 760,000 children were absent from school, with more than 1,700 schools closing or finishing early to avoid the sweltering temperatures. The heatwave, which was characterized by record-breaking temperatures and severe weather conditions, was exacerbated by a prolonged heatwave that began in May and continued into July. The study found that the heatwave resulted in significant disruptions to the education system, with many schools forced to close or finish early to ensure the safety and well-being of students.

Experts point to the UK's National Education Service (NES) as a key player in responding to the heatwave, with the organization providing guidance and support to schools to help them manage the disruptions. However, despite the efforts of the NES, many schools were still forced to close or finish early, resulting in significant losses to students' learning time. The study's findings are a wake-up call for policymakers and educators, highlighting the need for more effective measures to mitigate the impact of climate-related disruptions on the education sector.

The heatwave also had a significant impact on the UK's education system in terms of student well-being and mental health. The study found that many students reported feeling anxious and stressed as a result of the heatwave, with some even experiencing symptoms of heat-related illnesses. The findings are a stark reminder of the need for schools to prioritize student well-being and mental health, particularly in the face of climate-related disruptions.

The impact of the heatwave on the education sector has significant implications for the research community, with many experts warning of a potential shortage of skilled workers in the coming years. The study's findings are a major concern for researchers and policymakers, who will need to develop more effective strategies to mitigate the impact of climate-related disruptions on the education sector. Companies such as the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford are already taking steps to address the issue, with the universities launching initiatives to support students affected by the heatwave.

The heatwave also highlights the need for policymakers to develop more effective measures to support schools and students affected by climate-related disruptions. The UK government has already taken steps to address the issue, with the introduction of new funding and support measures for schools affected by the heatwave. However, more needs to be done to ensure that students and schools are equipped to cope with the impacts of climate change.

The impact of the heatwave on the education sector is part of a larger pattern of climate-related disruptions that are affecting communities around the world. The past decade has seen a significant increase in extreme weather events, with 2020 being one of the hottest years on record. The heatwave in the UK is just one example of the devastating impact of climate change on the education sector, with many schools and universities around the world facing similar challenges.