Ledbury's John Masefield High School will close because of the heatwave

John Masefield High School said temperatures in some of its classrooms could reach 45C so closing for health and safety reasons.

Activities and trips planned for Tuesday are also being cancelled as coaches could become “unbearably hot” for pupils and staff.

In a letter to parents posted on the JMHS website, headteacher Andrew Evans said high temperatures over the past fortnight have been affecting lessons in the school’s main block, which was built in the 1960s, as well as in mobile classrooms and the mathematics block.

READ MORE: Talented Ledbury pupils perform at Pyramid Prom at John Masefield High School

“We have been measuring temperatures in these classrooms and have found that by mid to late afternoon the temperature in the classroom is often more than 5C higher than the official temperature recorded by the Met Office,” said Mr Evans.

“We have been impressed with how students have continued to focus on their work and behave well in difficult conditions.

“Equally teachers, have continued to teach high quality lessons and maintain a positive ethos.

'People in the UK are not used to these temperatures'

“We believe that temperatures in classrooms particularly in the Main Block, which has many south facing windows and has a poor design are likely to be between 40C and 45C.

“In the UK people are not used to these temperatures and can suffer from heat stroke and those with underlying medical conditions can become seriously ill.

“I am aware that the weather forecast may change, and this is a risk we are taking. However, I concluded that it was better to act now so that parents and carers can make necessary arrangements.

“We appreciate that cancelling the Challenge Day trips and activities planned for Tuesday is particularly disappointing and we will do all we can to make up for this next academic year.”

Full details of the plans for Monday and Tuesday at the school are available on the JMHS website.