A number of schools across Test Valley have announced closures and reduced opening hours this week as temperatures soar under a rare red weather warning for extreme heat.
According to information published by Hampshire County Council, schools across Andover, Romsey and surrounding villages have taken action to protect pupils and staff from the exceptionally high temperatures forecast between Tuesday 23 and Thursday 25 June.
Several schools have opted for early finishes, while others have moved entirely to remote learning.
One of the most significant changes affects John Hanson Community School in Andover. The school initially announced early closures at 12.30pm due to the extreme heat but later confirmed it would be fully closed on Wednesday and Thursday following the red weather warning.
Roman Way Primary School in Andover will be fully closed on both Wednesday and Thursday, while Kimpton, Thruxton and Fyfield Church of England Primary School, Vernham Dean Gillum’s Church of England Primary School and Appleshaw St Peter’s CofE Primary School have all moved to remote learning arrangements for parts of the week.
A number of schools are remaining open but have encouraged parents to collect children early. Grateley Primary School is strongly urging families to collect pupils from 1.15pm on Wednesday and Thursday, citing concerns over the safety and wellbeing of children and staff as temperatures are expected to rise significantly.
Harrow Way Community School and Danebury School are both remaining open as normal but are allowing parents to give permission for students to leave at lunchtime if they wish. Work will be made available online for pupils who leave early.
Other schools implementing early closures include Smannell Field School, Vigo Primary School, Nursling Church of England Primary School, Rownhams St John’s Church of England Primary School, The Romsey School, Cupernham Infant School, Cupernham Junior School and St John the Baptist Catholic Primary School in Andover.
The measures come as parts of southern England experience unusually high temperatures, prompting health and weather officials to issue a red warning. Such warnings are only issued when weather conditions pose a significant risk to life and can lead to widespread disruption.
Parents are being advised to check communications from their child’s school for the latest information regarding collection times, remote learning arrangements and any further changes to opening hours.
Hampshire County Council continues to update its school closures and disruptions webpage as conditions develop.