STUDENTS in Maldon will be finishing school early as the heatwave continues.

Plume Academy made the decision to send pupils home early today as the temperature rises to the high 30s.

The option to wear the academy PE kit has been given to students and staff have been able to relax their smart dress code.

Today, the school was open between 8.30am until 1.20pm and tomorrow will be the same as the heatwave warnings continue.

Executive principal Carl Wakefield said: “After Friday afternoon’s unprecedented red heat warning declaration and national emergency by the Met office, and the move to the highest level of four heat alert by the UK Health Security Agency, that led to me calling an immediate meeting with my executive leadership team and brokering a discussion with our chair of trustees.

“What was very quickly confirmed was that we simply could not mitigate risk at lunchtime and during the hottest part of our working day which is from 2-5pm – our last lesson of the day and when our students are travelling home and staff meetings take place.

“Therefore, we opted to close the academy today and tomorrow at the earlier time of 1.20pm.

“We are legally bound, and rightly so, to ensure we suitably assess any risks posed to the health and safety of our stakeholders, and to take action where necessary and reasonably practicable.”

Students will return to their normal start and finishing times from Wednesday, when temperatures are predicted to fall to 28 degrees.

The decision has been supported by parents and carers and the school said it had received no concerns so far.

Mr Wakefield said: “Furthermore, in the latest associated guidance published by the Department for Education on Friday afternoon, it states that ‘if necessary, consider rearranging school start, finish, and play times to avoid teaching during very hot conditions.’

“To conclude, I care greatly about the stakeholders of Plume Academy and as has been the case throughout the pandemic period, we will continue to take whatever action is required to ensure their health, safety and wellbeing remains our absolute priority and of paramount importance.”