Early Closure due to heat

Dear parent/carer, 

Following careful consideration of the forecast temperatures, and guidance from the UK Health Security Agency we have made the decision to close both The Thomas Clarkson Academy and The Wisbech Academy early tomorrow.  

We will therefore be closing at 12:30 on Friday 26th June 2026 

We appreciate the huge support from families in the last few days and have made every reasonable adaption we can to ensure that we are open, safely, for as long as reasonably possible. 

Whilst we can continue to adapt for the morning, the predicted peak afternoon temperatures will be very challenging. 

Students remaining in school 

We recognise that some families may not be able to make alternative arrangements at short notice. The academies will therefore remain open with appropriate staff supervision until the normal end of the school day for any students who need or wish to stay. If your child will be staying, please inform the school office as soon as possible by completing this brief form Thomas Clarkson Academy and The Wisbech Academy Early Closure – Fill in form 

. This form includes space for any questions. 

We have informed Cambridgeshire and Norfolk transport teams of the change to the timings of the day to allow them time to rearrange provision. 

With significantly fewer children remaining on our sites, we will be able to provide a cooler and more comfortable environment whilst continuing to supervise children appropriately and provide suitable learning activities. 

Free School Meals 

All children entitled to Free School Meals will still be able to access lunch before leaving school. 

Staying Safe in the Heat 

With an early closure and exceptionally warm weather forecast, we recognise that some children may choose to spend more time outdoors than usual during the afternoon. 

We would therefore ask all families to take the opportunity to remind children about staying safe in the heat, including keeping hydrated, seeking shade where possible and avoiding prolonged physical activity during the hottest part of the day. 

We would also encourage families to discuss the dangers of entering open water such as lakes, rivers, reservoirs, quarries and other unsupervised bodies of water. While these may appear to offer a way to cool down, they can present significant and often hidden dangers. Sadly, every year there are serious incidents involving young people entering open water during periods of hot weather. 

We are grateful to our children and staff for the sensible and positive way they have responded to what has been exceptionally challenging conditions this week. 

Thank you, as always, for your continued support and understanding. 

Kind regards,

Dr Lawrence Byron 

Associate Principal

The Wisbech Academy