Market Harborough secondary schools close early due to heatwave

Market Harborough’s two secondary schools are closing early today and tomorrow because of rising temperatures.

Robert Smyth Academy will shut at 1.40pm, while Welland Park Academy will close at 1.30pm.

In a message to parents, Robert Smyth Principal Kate Nicholson said the decision followed risk assessments and consideration of forecast overnight and daytime temperatures.

She said: “While both staff and students have managed the recent temperatures admirably and have taken all appropriate measures to stay cool and safe, the conditions expected overnight and tomorrow mean that teaching in many classrooms will become untenable.”

The school said the decision had not been taken lightly, adding that the health and safety of students remained the priority.

Robert Smyth Academy in Market Harborough

A spokesperson for Welland Park Academy said: “We can confirm that the school will be closing early at 1:30pm today and tomorrow due to the high temperatures, in order to support the safety and wellbeing of students and staff during the current hot weather conditions.

“Students will have the option to collect a lunch before leaving site, or they may remain in school until the usual end of the day if they prefer. We have worked closely with Robert Smyth Academy to ensure a consistent approach across both schools.”

Welland Park Academy in Market Harborough

Robert Smyth Academy said provision will be available for students who cannot go home, with supervision in an air-conditioned space until 3.15pm if required.

The school will remain open for the Year 11 prom in the evening, with additional measures including cold drinks and access to air-conditioned areas.

Meanwhile, some primary schools in the Market Harborough area, which are part of Learn Academies Trust, are also offering parents the option to collect children early, with arrangements managed locally.

Trust chief executive Jane Jones said schools are following Department for Education heatwave guidance, including adjusting timetables, reducing physical activity and relaxing uniform rules.

She added that while schools are not normally advised to close, headteachers are monitoring conditions and may take action locally if needed to maintain a safe environment.

Some other primary schools in the area are part of the Discovery Trust and a spokesperson said “At present, none of Discovery Schools Academies Trust’s schools are closing early because of the hot weather.

“We are keeping the situation under close review and carrying out dynamic risk assessments throughout the day. While we have given parents and carers the option to collect their children early if they wish, we are also mindful that unexpected school closures can create significant challenges for working families and those who rely on schools for childcare.

“Across our schools, a range of measures have been put in place to help keep pupils and staff safe and comfortable, including ensuring access to drinking water, encouraging regular hydration, limiting strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day and making use of cooler indoor spaces where possible.

“Should conditions change, we will continue to review our approach and communicate directly with families as necessary.”