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 Headteachers of the Secondary and Special Schools in Bridgend County Borough Council we are responsible for the health, safety, and well-being of thousands of pupils and hundreds of 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 at each school, I have carefully reviewed our ability to maintain safe conditions during this period of exceptional heat.
Our assessment at Pencoed Comprehensive School has highlighted a number of site 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, particularly in West, South and East facing classrooms.
• Our outdoor areas offer limited sheltered or shaded spaces, restricting the ability to safely utilise these areas during the school day.
• Ongoing refurbishment work has resulted in the closure of several cooler and shaded rooms, significantly reducing the number of available teaching spaces. This makes it increasingly difficult to ensure that the remaining classrooms are both comfortable and safe in such conditions.
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 during the Red Warning period:
Wednesday 24 June 2026 and Thursday 25 June 2026
All secondary and special schools (including the PRU) in Bridgend County Borough Council including Pencoed will be closed to all pupils.
Pupils should remain at home, and work will be set for learners to complete independently. Online learning at Pencoed Comprehensive School will be provided through Google Classrooms, all learners and staff have Hwb Accounts.
We appreciate as Headteachers that this decision may cause inconvenience; however, the severity and unprecedented nature of this Red weather warning means that we must take proactive steps to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of our school communities.
We strongly encourage all families to follow public health advice during this period and to take appropriate steps to stay safe, cool and hydrated and we look forward to welcoming pupils back to school on Friday 26 June 2026.
Thank you for your continued understanding and support.
Edward H Jones, Headteacher Pencoed Comprehensive School