Funded by the DfE, Climate Ambassadors match volunteer climate experts with education settings.
Part of Let’s Go Zero, Climate Action Advisors are independent experts who offer free support for schools, colleges, and nurseries across England.
As heatwaves become more frequent and intense, education settings face the growing challenge of adapting their buildings, policies and operations to protect students and staff.
What they did
The Misbourne has taken a proactive approach to heat resilience through its Climate Action Plan, developed with free support from Let's Go Zero.
After the extreme heat events of 2022, the academy introduced a range of practical measures - from classroom adaptations, improved cooling and ventilation, water-saving initiatives and additional shaded spaces, to flexible dress code policies and enhanced staff guidance.
Heat resilience is not about a single intervention. It requires a combination of long-term planning, practical building improvements, clear communication and flexible operational decision-making.
“Heatwaves are no longer exceptional events. We need our buildings and policies to be prepared for them. Simple changes like blinds, ventilation routines and uniform flexibility have made a noticeable difference, but investing in bigger adaptations will be needed to futureproof our buildings against the increasing impacts of climate change.
Step-by-step to building resilience
1. Incorporate adaptation into your Climate Action Plan
The academy developed a Climate Action Plan, recognising adaptation and resilience as a key pillar in the Department for Education’s sustainability and climate change strategy.
This created a framework to identify risks from extreme weather and plan practical responses before they became urgent. Their recent Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) bid included air conditioning in cookery rooms and a change in scope for the current awarded bid is being made to replace heating with aircon/heat units in some hot areas.
2. Improve cooling and ventilation across your estate
Following disruption caused by the 2022 heatwave, the academy reviewed their ‘heat hotspots’ (areas most vulnerable to overheating) and targeted them with physical upgrades and staff guidance on passive cooling measures.
Building improvements included:
- Installing two wall-mounted fans in every standard teaching classroom
- Fitting blinds or curtains in all classrooms
- Installing air conditioning in the exam hall, sports hall, an IT suite, and their remaining cooking room
Staff were also briefed on effective cooling measures, such as:
- Keeping blinds and windows closed during direct sunlight
- Keeping doors open to enable airflow
- Reducing use of heat-generating equipment such as lighting and computers where possible
Ahead of hot spells, messaging is reinforced through staff bulletins and dedicated in-person briefings. This highlighted the importance of preparing in advance rather than reacting during an emergency.
3. Create flexible teaching arrangements
The academy used lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic to develop contingency plans for teaching during periods of extreme heat. Classes can be relocated into cooler spaces and grouped together, with students accessing work through Chromebooks and online platforms.
Planning is in place to increase the number of rooms with air conditioning to reduce the likelihood of closure in extreme temperatures in the future and increase the academy's ability to maintain learning during challenging conditions.
4. Introduce flexible dress code policies
Clothing can significantly affect comfort and concentration during hot weather so the academy implemented phased adjustments. The academy revised its uniform policy for the summer term to relax requirements to wear blazers, and allow smart shorts. This provides a longer-term adaptation measure instead of relying on temporary exemptions.
For students:
- Blazers were removed from requirements
- Shirts can be worn untucked
- PE kit can be worn during the hottest periods
For staff:
- Formal business dress expectations were relaxed
- Ties are optional during hot weather, and shorts, lighter shirts and cooler footwear are permitted
Read the academy’s new uniform policy.
5. Expand shaded outdoor spaces
To provide cooler outdoor environments during break and lunch periods, the academy invested in more shaded areas. This included installing canopies to create additional shaded seating and recreation space. Further canopy coverage is being researched.
They’re also developing an outdoor classroom for SEND students through a grant-funded project. This will provide an alternative learning environment and support students who may find temperature regulation particularly challenging during hot weather.
6. Improve water efficiency and resilience
Working with Groundwork, the academy undertook a free water audit to identify opportunities to reduce waste and improve resilience. Measures included:
- Installing water saving devices to taps
- Installing movement sensors on urinals to conserve water usage
- Analysing and investigating their increase in water bills. They requested a survey that identified two critical leaks that could not be seen - a proactive approach that conserved water and reduced costs
Collectively, these measures improve the academy's resilience to heatwaves by reducing water demand, helping to conserve local water resources during periods of increased pressure, while delivering long-term environmental and financial benefits.
7. Use procurement to support resilience
The academy increasingly reviews procurement decisions through sustainability and climate resilience lenses.
A change of uniform supplier was influenced by its environmental credentials, and the transition to lightweight and moisture-wicking PE kit materials has been beneficial for students to wear during lesson time.
8. Monitor conditions and use data to inform decisions
In addition to the impact of heatwaves, higher ICT use in classrooms can increase ambient temperatures, and fire doors can prevent cross-building ventilation.
To build an evidence base for future improvements, the estates team actively monitors site conditions and records temperatures. The academy is now investing in smart classroom thermometers to provide more consistent temperature data across the site.
This information will help:
- Identify overheating hotspots
- Support evidence-based decision-making during heat events
- Inform future investment decisions
- Strengthen applications for building adaptation funding
9. Prioritise communication and preparedness
Having clear communication is important during a heatwave in order to:
- Make decisions quickly
- Communicate clearly with staff and families
- Adapt operational arrangements at short notice
Top tips
- Plan ahead: Sign up to the Met Office Heat-health alert service for hot weather warnings
- Update your uniform policy: If you frequently relax dress codes during hotter temperatures, include this in your uniform policy and share with parents, rather than implementing ad hoc exemptions
- Plan for future adaptation: Update your asset management plans to include adaptations needed to keep your school operational during periods of extreme weather
- Improve water efficiency: Investigate ways to reduce water use to improve resilience during periods of high demand
- Monitor spending trends: Identify any changes in spending patterns that may be linked to extreme weather
- Find support: Register for help from a Let’s Go Zero Climate Action Advisor
If you're a sustainability lead...
Review your school's Climate Action Plan and identify practical steps to improve heat resilience, such as shading, ventilation, flexible uniforms and temperature monitoring.
If you're a member of the senior leadership team...
Treat heatwaves as an operational risk and ensure your school has clear plans for communication, learning continuity and student wellbeing during extreme weather.
If you're a parent or carer...
Ask your school what steps it is taking to prepare for hotter summers and encourage practical measures that improve comfort, safety and learning conditions.
Want to replicate The Misbourne's success?
Take a look at these recommended actions:
Understand how your estate is susceptible to climate change
Look to understand and address any parts of your buildings and site that are vulnerable to extreme conditions.
Identify some quick wins to improve your setting's climate resilience
Use the results of your climate risk assessment to identify some quick and easy-to-implement adaptation actions that you can prioritise.
Integrate climate adaptation planning in any planned building or refurbishments projects
Establish a process where climate adaptation is considered in any refurbishment or new build feature to your site. A good way to embed this into routine practice is to include it as an element of the business case of any proposed works.