Hot Weather Arrangements

As you will be aware, the Met Office has issued an Amber Weather Warning for extreme heat over the next two days. In response, and in line with national guidance, we are introducing a number of temporary measures for the remainder of this week to support the comfort, well-being and safety of all students and staff.

Uniform and Dress Arrangements

Years 7-10

For Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, students in Years 7โ€“10 may attend school wearing their PE kit instead of their usual uniform. Students may also choose to wear a lightweight, loose-fitting plain white shirt or T-shirt in place of their standard PE top. Earlier this week, we relaxed our expectations regarding ties and shirts being tucked in. We hope that this further adjustment will help students remain comfortable throughout the school day.

Year 12

For students in Year 12, we are temporarily adapting our dress expectations to reflect the exceptionally hot conditions. Students should continue to dress in a manner appropriate to a professional workplace, while selecting clothing that is practical and suitable for the weather.

Appropriate choices include:

  • Smart, tailored, trousers or knee-length shorts or skirts in lightweight, breathable fabrics such as cotton blends or linen-look materials;
  • Short-sleeved shirts, polo-shirts, plain t-shirts, or tops that provide appropriate coverage;
  • Lightweight business-style dresses that are knee length or longer;
  • Lightweight footwear suitable for moving safely around the school site (open-toed footwear is not permitted).

Students should continue to avoid:

  • Clothing made from denim, leather, canvas, lace or transparent fabrics;
  • Crop tops or tops that expose the midriff;
  • Clothing with slogans,  or that are heavily branded;
  • Beachwear, sportswear (than for PE), very short skirts or shorts, or clothing that exposes the back, shoulders or cleavage, including spaghetti-strap tops.

Parents’ Evening Student Volunteers

We would be grateful if any Year 7โ€“11 students volunteering at Thursday evening’s Parents’ Evening for families of students joining the school in September could wear a school shirt (without a tie), school trousers and their usual school footwear. Sixth Form volunteers should dress to a comparable standard.

Combined Cadet Force

Due to the forecast temperatures, all Combined Cadet Force (CCF) activities scheduled for Thursday have been cancelled. Students must not attend school on Thursday in their CCF uniform.

Staying Safe in the Heat

We ask that all students bring a clearly labelled water bottle to school each day. Water refill stations will remain available across the site, and students will be encouraged to drink regularly.

In addition, we will be implementing a range of measures consistent with current heatwave guidance, including:

  • Maximising ventilation in classrooms and communal areas where appropriate. We are fortunate to have a number of air-conditioned rooms available across the site;
  • Relocating classes to cooler areas of the school where possible;
  • Adapting PE lessons and reducing strenuous physical activity;
  • Providing access to shaded areas during break and lunchtime, and encouraging students to make use of them;
  • Monitoring indoor temperatures and adjusting routines where necessary.

The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority. We will continue to monitor conditions closely and will communicate any further changes should the weather warning be extended or updated.