SLT INFO

As global temperatures rise, overheated classrooms are becoming an increasing threat to student achievement. Without investment in cooling, these conditions could exacerbate existing educational disparities and disproportionately affect student performance in under-resourced schools. 

Research confirms that high classroom temperatures directly lead to poor educational outcomes, reduced cognitive function, and lower test scores. Studies show that prolonged exposure to heat hinders learning, with significant negative impacts observed when temperatures exceed 22°C–24°C (roughly 72°F–75°F).

The installation of air conditioning (AC) can almost entirely offset the negative effects of heat, with some studies showing a 73% reduction in the negative impact on test scores in AC-equipped schools.

The IAFE aims to address these issues by providing financial and administrative support to all UK schools through industry partners and committed global specialists.

A comprehensive report conducted in the US provides comprehensive evidence that temperature has a significant impact on achievement. It also suggests significant social/racial inequalities resulting from the affordability of cooling.

Key highlights

Reduced Test Scores:
A 1% increase in school-year temperature resulted in a 1% loss of a year’s learning.

Exam Day Impact:
Exams taken on days over 30 degrees resulted in poorer performance compared to days around 22 degrees.

Cognitive Decline:
High heat reduces concentration, working memory, and attention spans, forcing the body to use energy for cooling rather than cognitive processes.

Long-term Effects:
Cumulative exposure to high temperatures over a school year has a greater negative impact than just the temperature on the day of an exam.

Specific Subject Impact:
Complex tasks, such as mathematics, are more affected by high temperatures than simpler tasks.

Key Findings on Temperature Thresholds Optimal Temperature:
Research suggests the ideal temperature range for learning is between 20-22 degrees.

“Hot” Classroom Impacts:
When temperatures rise above 26°C–30°C, cognitive performance, including reaction time and accuracy in tasks, begins to decline.

Inequality Issues:
The learning loss is not distributed evenly; black, Hispanic, and low-income students often experience 3 to 4 times more learning loss than their white and wealthier peers.

The NASUWT has published numerous articles on the effects of heat on staff and students regularly referencing the UCLA study in the United States. The IAFE holds these bulletins and are happy to provide copies to SLT’s.

The most recent detailed report published in July 2024, highlights the dangers of excessive heat and the responsibility of school leaders to take appropriate action.

“Excessive classroom temperatures are not only uncomfortable, but they are also a health and safety hazard, as excessive heat can aggravate existing medical conditions”

They go on to spotlight the impact of CO₂ suggesting that; “Adequate ventilation is not just a health and safety issue, but is also a teaching and learning issue. There is a scientifically proven link between levels of Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) and the brain’s ability to learn”.

For more information on the NASUWT and reference material – please contact us directly.

Air Conditioning is the only practical and cost-effective method of combining cooling and ventilation.