Patrick O'Hagan

Rising temperatures are forcing schools in Berkshire to close as classrooms overheat, prompting calls for structural changes and revised term times. Headteacher Kate Davies argues for widespread installation of air‑conditioning, while architect Jake Pringle warns it increases emissions and advocates passive cooling methods such as improved ventilation and shading. Techniques used in hotter countries, including double roofs and shaded window designs, could reduce indoor temperatures without additional energy use. Schools face growing pressure to adapt buildings to ensure safe learning conditions during increasingly frequent heatwaves.

Rising temperatures are straining UK school buildings designed to retain heat, leading some schools to close during heatwaves. At The Pines Primary School in Berkshire, indoor temperatures exceeded 35C, prompting headteacher Kate Davies to consider shifting the summer holiday to May and calling for air‑conditioning. Architect Jake Pringle argues air‑conditioning is an unsustainable short‑term fix and advocates passive cooling techniques such as improved ventilation, shading, and better building design, based on methods used in hotter countries. The debate highlights the need for both immediate adaptations and long‑term structural changes to ensure school buildings remain functional during extreme heat.