A quarter of schools closed early this week as the UK had its hottest June day on record – with leaders calling for urgent action to cool classrooms.

To see the UK’s failure to plan for the impacts of climate crisis, look no further than Beaconsfield primary school in west London – where a building more than 100 years old copes with extreme temperatures better than its neighbour, built less than 10 years ago.

A new wave of scorching temperatures next week is set to bring significant discomfort for millions of school children packed into busy classrooms.

After May saw record-breaking temperatures in the UK, another warm spell is under way in parts of England.

The Education Authority (EA) has warned a lack of funding for school repairs could lead to more classrooms being closed on safety grounds.

Suggestion comes amid reports that school buildings funding will be diverted into defence budget.

A council is facing a bill of amore than £2.5m to remove "extensive asbestos" discovered in two of its former schools.

A north east trust snubbed for cash for repairs three years in a row was told its latest bids would have stood a better chance if its academies had shut.

Bridget Phillipson has refused to rule out introducing temperature limits in school buildings, following the warmest spring on record for England and Wales.

Experts and unions warn the increase in school insurance claims is a ‘concerning’ sign of the deteriorating condition and resilience of school buildings.