Dear parents and carers,
Further to my letter on Monday, I am writing to confirm that the adjustments to the length of the school day, in view of the very high temperatures and weather warnings in place, will extend to Friday 26th June.
This means that, in addition to uniform adjustments and other adaptations, the shorter school day will also be in place on Friday 26th June.
As you are aware, 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, until Friday 26th 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 Friday 26th June 2026
Students in the primary should be collected at 11.30am. Provision can be made for vulnerable students to be supervised until the usual end of the school day at 3pm if necessary, but we ask that all parents try to have arrangements in place for their child to be collected early.
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.
Uniform adjustments
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 who wear school knee length skirts or trousers must do so with shoes.
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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
Looking ahead to next week:
The forecast for next week is looking much more ‘normal’ for this time of year. We will be keeping a close eye on this over the coming days to inform any adjustments, but as things stand, the plan for next week is:
Monday 29th June - school is closed to all students for staff training
Tuesday 30th June onwards – normal school times and normal uniform expectations resume - this means:
- students will wear their school polo, skirt/trousers and school shoes
- Secondary students will wear or carry their blazer
- The school day will end at 3pm as normal.
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.
Thank you for your cooperation and support during this period of extreme weather. Having had quite a different week this week, we will be keen to get back into normal school routines next week, making the most of every minute in the busy run up to the end of term.
For now, I hope you cope as best you can in the heat.
Yours sincerely,
Clare Cross
Principal
