Retrofit Schools and Move Exams to Beat Extreme Heat, Says Union 2026

Retrofit schools and consider moving exams to beat extreme heat, says the leader of the UK's largest teaching union, as classroom temperatures soar past 40C. Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union (NEU), warns that the current school infrastructure was built for a different climate and is ill-equipped to handle increasingly severe heatwaves.

Why Extreme Heat Is Disrupting Education

This summer, repeated bouts of extreme heat forced hundreds of thousands of students to be sent home as classroom temperatures became unbearable. Teachers and pupils suffered, and learning was severely disrupted. Kebede describes the impact as devastating, highlighting the urgent need for adaptation measures.

With climate change intensifying, the UK faces more frequent and intense heatwaves. The education system must evolve to ensure continuity of learning. Kebede calls for a national conversation about how to adapt schools to a rapidly warming climate.

Key Proposals from the NEU

• Mass retrofitting programme: Upgrade school buildings to withstand extreme heat, including better insulation, shading, and cooling systems.
• Adjust school calendar: Consider longer summer holidays, earlier start and finish times, or reordering holidays to avoid the hottest periods.
• Move exams: Shift exams away from the hottest months to prevent heat-related stress and cognitive impairment.
• Government action: Urge policymakers to invest in climate-resilient schools ahead of next summer's El Niño-charged temperatures.

Comparing Heat Adaptation Strategies for Schools

The Case for Retrofitting Schools

Many UK schools were built decades ago without consideration for extreme heat. Retrofitting can include installing external shading, green roofs, and ventilation systems. These measures not only reduce temperatures but also lower energy costs and carbon footprints. Kebede argues that a mass retrofitting programme is essential to create safe learning environments.

Investment in school infrastructure is a matter of climate justice. Vulnerable communities often attend schools with the poorest facilities, exacerbating educational inequalities. A national retrofit strategy can help level the playing field.

Rethinking the School Calendar and Exams

Kebede suggests looking to hot countries where longer summer holidays are the norm. By reordering holidays and starting the school day earlier, schools can avoid the hottest hours. Moving exams from summer months ensures students aren't disadvantaged by heat stress, which impairs concentration and performance.

Such changes require careful planning and consultation with parents, teachers, and students. However, the status quo is no longer viable as heatwaves become more frequent and severe.

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