Dear parents and carers,
Further to my letter on Friday, you may have seen that a Red hot weather warning has been issued today by the Met office for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
We have already restricted physical activities in school for this week, we have made adjustments to uniform and have ensured rooms are as ventilated as possible however, we have limited air conditioning, and fans are not effective or advisable in such high temperatures.
Therefore, with the safety of students and staff as the priority, during the period of the red weather alert, from Tuesday 23rd to Thursday 25th June, the school will operate a shorter day for students, enabling them to leave school before the hottest part of the day. We expect all students to attend each day but will ensure they are then able to leave early.
Arrangements for Tuesday 23rd to Thursday 25th June 2026
Students in the primary can be collected at 11.30am. If parents are unable to collect their child, they will be supervised until the usual end of the school day at 3pm.
Students in the secondary phase will be able to leave from 11am if they do not require a food service or free school meal. If parents require their child to be supervised in school until 3pm they must email office@sydneyrussellschool for this to be arranged.
Students in Year 12 will attend their VIMA exams only – all exams are in air-conditioned rooms, with study space in the Sixth Form which is also air-conditioned.
The uniform adjustments that were outlined on Friday are still permitted, should students wish, to help them feel more comfortable in the warm weather. This extends to Friday 26th June. Students must ensure they have all their equipment with them as usual.
Primary:
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Students will wear their normal school polo shirt (grey)
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Students are allowed to wear their school PE shorts with trainers should they wish
Secondary:
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Students will wear their normal school polo shirt (year group colour)
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Students are allowed to wear their school PE shorts with trainers should they wish
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Students are not required to bring their blazer to school
Sixth Form:
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Students are allowed to wear a polo shirt instead of a formal shirt
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Students are not required to bring a blazer to school
We will be keeping an eye on the forecast and update parents in due course but, as things stand, normal uniform expectations will resume on Tuesday 30th June. A reminder that school is closed to students on Monday 29th June for staff training.
As usual, students are advised to ensure they have their water bottle and use the chilled refill taps before and after school as well as during break times.
Yours sincerely,
Clare Cross
Principal
