Multiple reports say the UK’s school closures during Europe’s recent record-smashing heatwave stem largely from poor ventilation and overcrowded classrooms in older buildings. The Winnipeg Free Press and ABC News describe how outdated schoolhouses keep indoor temperatures high, leaving children in sweltering conditions. The Independent reports that more than 1,000 schools are affected, including closures for several days and cases where children are sent home early. These measures are linked to a period in late June when temperature records are reported to be broken across Europe. Across the accounts, the main focus is the strain placed on schools by extreme heat, particularly where ventilation systems are inadequate and classrooms hold many students. The reports do not attribute the closures to a specific individual case or incident; rather, they describe a broader response by schools and authorities to manage health and safety concerns during unusually hot weather. The consensus across outlets is that older infrastructure and limited airflow contribute to classrooms becoming uncomfortably hot during the heatwave.