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Written question asked by Bell Ribeiro-Addy (Labour) on Wednesday, 15 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 1 September 2026. It was answered by Georgia Gould (Labour) on Friday, 4 September 2026 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Schools: Temperature

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether she has considered the potential merits of altering the school exam period to avoid exam dates coinciding with extreme heat waves.

Answer

The department has published the guidance ‘Hot weather and heatwaves guidance for schools and other education settings’, which is based on UK Health Security Agency advice to support education settings. In most cases, schools remain the safest place for children during hot weather, as staff can monitor pupils, encourage hydration and take steps to keep them comfortable. Schools and colleges are expected to take reasonable steps to provide suitable conditions for students taking exams.

The exam timetable is designed to support the fair and efficient delivery of exams for students across England, and the timing of exams ensures that results are provided to pupils on time in August to support them to progress to further and higher education, employment and training.

Responsibility for the administration of GCSE, AS and A level qualifications, including arrangements for exam timetables and special consideration, rests with the independent awarding organisations. The department does, however, continue to work with Ofqual, awarding organisations, schools and colleges to support the safe and effective delivery of exams and to consider lessons learned from recent periods of extreme weather.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
19104
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Assessments Schools Temperature
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk