Several schools across the North East have told pupils that they don’t have to wear their school uniform at the start of this week amid soaring temperatures in the region.
As temperatures reach upwards of 27 degrees, a handful of schools in North Yorkshire, Tyne and Wear, County Durham, and Teesside have written to parents to inform them that normal uniform doesn’t have to be worn.
This includes some schools not requiring their students to wear blazers, ties and other unform items, while others have ripped up the uniform rulebook and have replaced their usual attire for PE kits.
Read more: North East weather: Hour-by-hour forecast as region to see heatwave
The action comes as temperatures are forecast to hit 27C on Monday (July 11), with the heat expected to peak at lunchtime.
Among the schools that has relaxed its rules on uniform includes Bishop Barrington in Bishop Auckland, which has left its policy behind.
In a message to parents, Bishop Barrington School said: “Owing to the hot weather this week, students are not required to bring their purple item of uniform (blazer/jumper/cardigan/tank top). All other uniform items, including a school tie, are still required.
“We also recommend that students bring a drink of water with them to stay hydrated water.”
Alongside the message from Bishop Barrington School, North Yorkshire-based Stokesley School has allowed its students to wear PE kits.
In a message on Sunday (July 10), Stokesley School said: "Due to extremely high temperatures predicted on Monday all students can come in their PE kit. Please wear sun cream and bring plenty of water."
In addition to those two schools temporarily updating their uniform policy, Academy 360 in Sunderland and Outwood Acklam in Middlesbrough have also issued an update to parents.
Academy 360 have made blazers optional for secondary students this week while Outwood Acklam has advised pupils to bring a reusable water bottle into school and to carry their blazers instead of having to wear them.
As schools make these alterations, the Met Office has advised what a heatwave is, with the hot weather set to continue throughout the week.
What is a heatwave?
A heatwave is an extended period of hot weather relative to the expected conditions of the area at that time of year, which may be accompanied by high humidity.
What is the definition for a UK heatwave?
A UK heatwave threshold is met when a location records a period of at least three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold. The threshold varies by UK area. For the North-east, the daytime figure is 28C
Parts of the South East of England are now at an amber level 3 heat alert which means there is a 90% likelihood this threshold will be breached. The North East remains at level 1 with a 30% likelihood.
Is your school taking part or are they keeping the rules in place? Let us know by emailing patrick.gouldsbrough@newsquest.co.uk
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