Important Information - Weather Warning for Extreme Heat - School Closure - Wednesday 24th June and Thursday 25th June

As you will be aware, there is currently an Amber Heat Warning in place for parts of Wales, including Bridgend, which is forecast to escalate to a Red Warning on Wednesday and Thursday of this week. A Red Warning indicates that a severe heatwave may have widespread impacts beyond health, including disruption to transport, water and energy supplies, and businesses. It also signifies a potential risk to life, even for otherwise healthy individuals.

As Headteacher of Bryntirion Comprehensive School, I am responsible for the health, safety, and well-being of over a thousand pupils and over a hundred staff – this is our priority, and it forms the basis of our decision making. In line with Welsh Government guidance on managing extreme heat in educational settings, and following a comprehensive, site-specific risk assessment, I have carefully reviewed our ability to maintain safe conditions during this period of exceptional heat.

Our assessment has highlighted a number of significant challenges:

• The standard and design of parts of the school building and classrooms make it extremely difficult to regulate internal temperatures and maintain a safe learning environment during prolonged periods of extreme heat.
• Our outdoor areas offer limited sheltered or shaded spaces, restricting the ability to safely utilise these areas during the school day.
• We do not have the capacity to move classes to cooler areas of the school that are not in direct sunlight.

Taking all of these factors into account, I cannot be confident that we can consistently provide a safe environment for pupils and staff during the peak of this heatwave.

Therefore, the following arrangements will be in place:

Wednesday 24 June 2026 and Thursday 25 June 2026

Bryntirion Comprehensive School and all other secondary and special schools (including the PRU) in Bridgend County Borough Council will be closed to all pupils.

Pupils should remain at home and work will be set for learners to complete independently, and this will be communicated directly by the school via ClassCharts and/or Teams.

I appreciate that this decision may cause inconvenience; however, the severity and unprecedented nature of this weather warning means that we must take proactive steps to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of our school community.

I strongly encourage all families to follow public health advice during this period and to take appropriate steps to stay cool and hydrated and we look forward to welcoming pupils back to school on Friday 26 June 2026.

We will continue to monitor weather conditions and should things change we will update you accordingly.