23 June, 2026
Notice of school closure
You will be aware that the Met Office has issued its first ‘Red Extreme Heat Warning’ for Wednesday and Thursday, with June’s all-time daily record temperature forecast to be broken.
Red warnings are reserved for the most severe weather events, indicating the potential for population-wide adverse health effects. Substantial changes in working practices and daily routines are advised.
The school has undertaken a thorough risk assessment and it is my decision to close the school on Wednesday and Thursday to most pupils.
I understand that some families will be in favour of this temporary closure whilst others will be against. Please be assured that the wellbeing of children and staff has remained at the heart of my decision making.
The school will reopen as normal on Friday 26 June 2026.
Further details are provided below. I again wish to remind families of the importance of educating children about water safety. Rivers and reservoirs are extremely dangerous to young people during the heat and should avoided. Please visit the advice from the Canal and River Trust here and discuss this with your child.
As ever,
Canon I Loynd, Headteacher
Why is the school closing?
Temperatures are set to rise on Wednesday and Thursday to above 35 degrees, feeling like 40 degrees. Inside classrooms, where pupils and staff spend most of their day, heat gain from glazing and human bodies will increase the temperature further. This poses an unacceptable risk to health.
Some schools are staying open. Why is St Teilo’s closing?
Every school in every context is different. St Teilo’s is fortunate to have a bright and modern building. However, the amount of glazing (and lack of opening windows) creates a ‘greenhouse effect’ on hot days. On this occasion, our building is working against us.
Can more be done to mitigate the heat?
The school has established systems for heat mitigation which, for the vast majority of the time, are sufficient. You can read about these mitigations here. During extreme heat, the mitigations are not sufficiently effective to keep pupils and staff safe.
How will the school support vulnerable pupils?
Where possible, we are asking children to stay safely at home. If this is not possible, we will continue to provide small group education on site. Please contact the Headteacher in the usual way if you require your child to attend school. If you require supervision for your child for any other reason, you may also request that you child attends school.
What learning will my child undertake from home?
Home learning can be accessed in the usual way at here. As far as possible, children should use the resources to follow their normal school timetable (choosing the appropriate online learning modules).
My child receives free school meals. Will meals be available?
Our catering staff will prepare a packed lunch for any child requiring it. Please contact the Headteacher in the usual way if you require a free packed lunch to be prepared for collection.
Where can I find advice about coping with extreme heat?
The UK Health Security Agency provides detailed advice and guidance here.
You can contact the Headteacher here.
