Emerging
Jun 23, 2026 Major1
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Multiple schools in Herefordshire and Worcestershire close due to extreme heat warning
Multiple schools in Herefordshire and Worcestershire have announced closures from Tuesday through Thursday due to a rare red weather warning for extreme heat. The UK Health Security Agency has issued a corresponding red health warning for six English regions, including the West Midlands.

Quick Facts
Who
Herefordshire Council
What
Schools closed due to extreme heat
When
Tuesday through Thursday
Where
Herefordshire
- Schools closed due to extreme heat
- Red weather warning issued for extreme heat
- Red health warning issued by UK Health Security Agency
- Schools reviewing weather for potential early reopening
- Herefordshire Council
Several schools across Herefordshire and Worcestershire have announced closures and early dismissals in response to a rare red weather warning for extreme heat affecting parts of England and Wales. The closures are scheduled to take effect from Tuesday through Thursday, with some institutions closing entirely while others dismiss students at lunchtime.
In Herefordshire, affected schools include The Aconbury Centre in Hereford, which will remain closed until the end of Thursday, and St David's Centre, also in Hereford, shutting from 12:00 BST. Fairfield High School in Peterchurch will close for both Wednesday and Thursday, while John Masefield High School and Sixth Form Centre in Ledbury will partially close from 13:15 on Tuesday. Blackmarston School in Hereford is also closed for Wednesday and Thursday. In Worcestershire, Oasis Academy Warndon in Worcester will close from 13:00 on Tuesday, with Worcestershire County Council reporting approximately half a dozen schools shutting at lunchtime on Wednesday.
Staff at The Aconbury Centre and St David's Centre have indicated they will review weather conditions throughout the week and reopen earlier if conditions permit. The UK Health Security Agency has issued a red health warning for six regions of England, including the West Midlands, effective from 01:00 on Wednesday to 23:00 on Thursday. The red weather warning for extreme heat represents a rare alert level, indicating significant danger to public health during the high-temperature period.
Why This Matters
Extreme heat poses serious health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations including children, elderly individuals, and those with chronic health conditions. School closures directly protect student safety while signaling the severity of the weather threat to families and communities. Understanding which schools are affected and closure schedules helps parents plan childcare and allows employers to support staff managing unexpected disruptions. The UK Health Security Agency's rare red-level warning—the highest alert level—indicates authorities view conditions as genuinely dangerous, warranting immediate precautionary action.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 23, 2026
WireBBC publishes report on school closures due to extreme heat
Jun 24, 2026
WireSt David's Centre closes from this time
Jun 24, 2026
WireOasis Academy Warndon closes from this time
Jun 24, 2026
WireJohn Masefield High School and Sixth Form Centre partially closes
Jun 25, 2026
WireFairfield High School closes; Half dozen Worcestershire schools close at lunchtime
Jun 25, 2026
WireUK Health Security Agency red health warning begins for six English regions
Jun 26, 2026
WireUK Health Security Agency red health warning ends